Tag: Cultural Heritage

Events in Goa

Goa Government Declares Margao Dindi and Shirgao Lairai Zatra as State Festivals

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In a significant move to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Goa, the state government has officially declared the Margao Dindi and Shirgao Lairai Zatra as state festivals. This announcement was made during the Annual Budget presentation in the Assembly, marking a major milestone in the efforts to recognize and celebrate the unique traditions and customs of Goa.

Margao Dindi: A Celebration of Devotion and Faith

The Margao Dindi, associated with the Hari Mandir temple in Margao, is a week-long festival that has been an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape for centuries. The festival is a testament to the devotion and faith of the people of Margao, who come together to celebrate the divine bond between the deity and the devotees. With its vibrant processions, soulful music, and delicious food, the Margao Dindi is a true reflection of the state’s rich cultural diversity.

Shirgao Lairai Zatra: A Showcase of Spiritual Purity and Devotion

The Shirgao Lairai Zatra, held at Shirgao in Bicholim, is another iconic festival that has been declared a state festival. This festival is a celebration of the divine power of Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The festival features a unique fire-walking ritual, known as ‘Agnidivya’, where devotees walk barefoot on burning coal, demonstrating their spiritual purity and devotion. The festival also includes a grand ‘palkhi’ procession, devotional songs, drumming, and dance, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

A Boost to Tourism and Cultural Preservation

The declaration of these two festivals as state festivals is expected to give a significant boost to tourism in Goa, attracting visitors from across the country and the world. It will also help to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Goa, ensuring that the state’s unique traditions and customs are passed down to future generations.

A Testament to Goa’s Rich Cultural Diversity

The declaration of the Margao Dindi and Shirgao Lairai Zatra as state festivals is a testament to Goa’s rich cultural diversity and the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting its unique traditions and customs. These festivals are a true reflection of the state’s vibrant cultural landscape, and their declaration as state festivals is a celebration of Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

Events in Goa

Octave 2025: A Grand Celebration of North East India’s Cultural Diversity

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The inaugural ceremony of Octave 2025, a national folk festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of North Eastern India, was held with great fanfare. The festival, organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture, in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Center, Udaipur, and North East Zone Cultural Center, Dimapur, promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, dance, art, and handicrafts from the region.
Held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali, the festival brings together artists and artisans from eight North Eastern states, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and rich cultural traditions. The festival offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural diversity of North East India, with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality.

A Celebration of India’s Diverse Cultural Heritage
Octave 2025 is a celebration of the unique cultural traditions of North East India, which is home to over 200 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct culture, language, and customs. The festival provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, with its traditional folk music and dance performances, exhibitions of handicrafts and art, and much more.

A Must-Visit Event
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply interested in exploring the diverse cultural traditions of India, Octave 2025 is an event not to be missed. So, come and experience the vibrant culture of North East India, and be a part of this joyous celebration of music, dance, art, and handicrafts.

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Goa Shines at ITB Berlin 2025, Wins Prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards

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Showcasing Regenerative Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Sustainable Travel Initiatives on the Global Stage

Berlin, 6th March 2025 : Goa Tourism made a remarkable impression at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s premier travel trade show, with a focus on regenerative tourism and showcasing Goa beyond its iconic beaches. The state’s participation was further elevated by prestigious recognitions at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2025, where Goa won the “Destination of the Year, India” award under the Destinations Category. Additionally, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, was honoured with Tourism Minister of the Year – India, award for his outstanding leadership and governance in advancing Goa’s tourism sector, reinforcing Goa’s leadership in tourism development.

The Goa Tourism stall at ITB Berlin 2025 was inaugurated by His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Ajit Gupte, Embassy of India to Germany, in the presence of a high-level delegation led by Mr. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, and key stakeholders from the tourism industry.

The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of Goa’s dynamic participation at ITB Berlin 2025, where the state highlighted its commitment to regenerative tourism—a forward-thinking approach that emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The stall, designed to reflect Goa’s architectural heritage, featured elements such as stained-glass windows, traditional Azulejos tiles, and intricately designed pillars, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2025 received an enthusiastic response on Day 1, attracting significant interest from global travel trade professionals and visitors. Showcasing Goa’s diverse tourism offerings—including its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and evolving sustainable tourism initiatives—the pavilion highlighted the state’s commitment to responsible and immersive travel experiences.

Talking about the award and Goa Tourism’s participation at ITB Berlin, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte said, “This recognition on a global platform highlights our commitment to responsible and innovative tourism. Goa continues to evolve as a world-class destination, offering sustainable, high-value tourism experiences while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty. The success of ITB reflects Goa’s growing appeal among global travellers and industry leaders, with an overwhelming response to states unique blend of culture, nature, and regenerative tourism initiatives.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, emphasized the state’s vision for regenerative tourism. “Goa is not just about sun, sand, and sea. We are committed to promoting tourism that regenerates and enriches our environment, culture, and communities. Our presence at ITB Berlin 2025 is a testament to our efforts to showcase Goa as a sustainable and holistic destination,” he said.

Goa’s focus on regenerative tourism aligns with the global shift towards sustainable travel. The state’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community-driven tourism makes it a standout destination for travellers seeking meaningful experiences.

The Goa Tourism stall was a major attraction at ITB Berlin 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich architectural heritage and cultural diversity. The stall’s design incorporated traditional elements such as Azulejos tiles, and intricately designed pillars, reflecting Goa’s Portuguese-inspired architecture. Additionally, a dedicated VR zone allowed visitors to virtually explore Goa’s lush hinterlands, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites, and vibrant festivals, providing a taste of the state’s multifaceted charm

Special Occasion

Linguistic Diversity Takes Center Stage: 25th International Mother Language Day Celebrations

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In a vibrant celebration that showcased the rich cultural heritage of India and South Asia, the 25th International Mother Language Day was commemorated at the British Parliament’s House of Lords in London. This momentous occasion was organized by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence and hosted by Baroness Sue Garden.

The event highlighted the incredible linguistic diversity of the region, with 25 languages represented through captivating poetry and cultural expressions. The participants, a diverse group of professionals, presented their self-authored pieces in their native languages, adding to the event’s cultural richness.

The celebration underscored the importance of promoting and preserving linguistic heritage. Language plays a significant role in shaping our identities and cultures, and this event served as a testament to the power of language and cultural diversity.

To commemorate the occasion, a booklet titled “Rhyme and Resonance (Kaavya Naadam)” was released, featuring all the poems presented during the event. This collection serves as a lasting legacy of the event, celebrating the diversity of languages and cultures.

The success of this event sends a powerful message about the importance of celebrating and preserving linguistic diversity. As we come together to honor our mother languages, we also acknowledge the significant role they play in shaping our identities and cultures.

In conclusion, the 25th International Mother Language Day celebrations at the British Parliament’s House of Lords were a resounding success, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and South Asia. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting and preserving linguistic diversity, and we look forward to future celebrations that promote unity and cultural exchange.

Events in Goa

Unveiling the Secrets of Iconography: A 3-Day Workshop in Goa

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In a bid to promote cultural awareness and understanding, Secretary (Archaeology) Shri. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, inaugurated a three-day workshop on “An Introduction to Iconography” at the Lecture Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto Panaji. The workshop, organized by the Department of Archaeology, brought together experts and enthusiasts to delve into the fascinating world of iconography.

The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the study of iconography, covering its principles, methods, and applications. Participants had the opportunity to engage with renowned experts in the field, including Director of the Department of Archaeology, Dr. Nilesh B. Fal Dessai, who was also present at the inauguration.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Learning

The three-day workshop provided a unique platform for cultural exchange and learning, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of iconography and its significance in understanding cultural heritage.

Promoting Cultural Awareness and Preservation

The initiative is part of the Department of Archaeology’s efforts to promote cultural awareness and preservation in Goa. By organizing such workshops and events, the department aims to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community towards preserving their cultural heritage.

As Secretary (Archaeology) Shri. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, emphasized, “It is essential to understand and appreciate our cultural heritage, and iconography plays a vital role in this process. We hope that this workshop will inspire participants to explore and learn more about our rich cultural legacy.”