Tag: Cultural Heritage

Events in Goa

Shiv Mahotsav 2025 creates a spiritual and cultural experience at Tambdi Surla

allycaralgoa

Dharbandora, February 26, 2025: Amidst the tranquil beauty of Goa’s hinterlands, Shiv Mahotsav 2025 unfolded as a spectacular event blending spirituality, tradition, and cultural vibrancy. Hosted by Goa Tourism, the festival took place at Satpal Ground, Sacorda, Molem, Tambdi Surla Road, Dharbandora. The event brought together thousands of devotees, cultural performers, and visitors, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of devotion and celebration. The festival was held in celebration of Maha Shivratri and was a grand showcase of Goa’s rich spiritual traditions, culture, and artistic heritage.

The grand celebration was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha Shri Sadanand Tanavade; Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and Smt. Sadicha Ganesh Gaonkar; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; Shri Amol Deshmukh; Shri Abhijit Jog; Shri Ashutosh Jawdekar; Shri Arun Bicholkar; Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar along with ZP members and Sarpanchs of various panchayats. The festival also saw the presence of Indian actress Sonalee Kulkarni and singer-musician Avadhoot Gupte, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Adding to the grandeur of the event, a series of meticulously curated performances offered a spiritual and cultural feast for all attendees. The celebrations featured a powerful Dhol Tasha performance by Barabhumi Sansthan, capturing the rhythmic energy of Shiv Ganas; a spellbinding Bharatanatyam recital on Shiva Bhakti by renowned artist Pavitra Bhat; and a Nrutya Natika on Shiv Sthuti, a mesmerizing dramatic dance presentation by artists from Barabhumi Sansthan.

The divine ambiance was further elevated by the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which was performed by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and other dignitaries, paying homage to the holy Ganga. The night culminated in a soulful live performance by legendary Bollywood singer Sudesh Bhosle, who enthralled the audience with Shiv Stuti, Bhakti Geet, and other devotional compositions.

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant while addressing the gathering said, “The true essence of Goa remains largely undiscovered, even by many tourists. Beyond the beaches, the real beauty of the state lies in its hinterlands and interior regions. To showcase this hidden treasure, visitors will be introduced to these lesser-explored parts of Goa. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting spiritual and temple tourism, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage.’’ He further stated that the event venue is government-owned land and will henceforth be known as Shivmaidan.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman, GTDC, stated, “Shiv Mahotsav is not just a celebration; it is a step towards promoting Goa’s rich spiritual heritage. The historic Sri Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla stands as a testament to our deep-rooted traditions, and through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight its significance while encouraging spiritual and hinterland tourism. I urge the people of Goa to support and take pride in this movement, as together, we can showcase the real Goa to the world.”

Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha, Shri Sadanand Tanavade also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Goa’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

A moment of great pride was the release of a special book ‘Me Ganesh Gaonkar’, chronicling the remarkable journey of Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar at the hands of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and others. During the event, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar felicitated each other alongside other dignitaries.

As part of the cultural engagement, a Rangoli competition on the theme of Mahadev’s avatars, and Shiv Ganas was organized, along with a Veshbhusha Spardha themed around Lord Shiva and Hindu gods & goddesses, providing a platform for young talent on the occasion.

MD GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar welcomed the gathering whereas vote of thanks was delivered by Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, artists, and attendees for making Shiv Mahotsav 2025 a grand success.

On February 26th, Prasad distribution was also held at Sri Mahadev Temple premises at Tambdi Surla. Shiv Mahotsav 2025 was a true testament to Goa’s spiritual richness, drawing visitors who seek an immersive cultural experience beyond its scenic landscapes.

Events in Goa

First-Ever Baattachem Fest (Paddy Festival) in Chinchinim Celebrates Goa’s Agricultural and Cultural Heritage

allycaralgoa

Chinchinim, Goa – February 23, 2025: The picturesque village of Chinchinim, Salcette came alive with the vibrant Baattachem Fest, a unique celebration of Goa’s agricultural traditions and rich cultural heritage curated by the festival man of Goa, Festakar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Adv. Agnelo Furtado, this landmark event brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate farming, sustainability, and community spirit in an atmosphere of harmony and togetherness.

The festival began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Agnelo and Elaine Furtado, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, Miguel Braganza, Prakash Kamat, Fr. Victor Ferrao, Alexyz and Festacar Marius Fernandes. This auspicious start set the tone for a day filled with culture, nostalgia and shared learning.

Baattachem Fest welcomed attendees from across Goa, including Corlim, Panjim, Mapusa, Divar, Nuvem, Navelim and other parts of Goa, reinforcing its spirit of inclusivity. The festival actively involved individuals with diverse skills, ensuring that it was a celebration for all, regardless of background or ability, compered and coordinated by festakar team members Prakash Kamat, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and Dominic D’Souza.

The stage was artistically decorated by Marcos D’mello with natural farm tools and locally coordinated by Rozario Rebello.

A key highlight of the festival was its strong commitment to zero-waste practices. By embracing eco-friendly traditions and sustainable living, Baattachem Fest set an example of how cultural celebrations can be environmentally sustainable.

One of the festival’s most engaging features was the Balçaoacheo Gozalli, a platform where Miguel Braganza, Professor Carmelito Andrade, Jovito Lopes and Fr George Quadros shared their knowledge and experiences. Visitors were transported back in time with demonstrations of traditional fishing net making, Goan bread preparation, and local delicacy cooking, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Goa’s way of life.

A spectacular Kottieacho Nach (coconut shell dance), conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, captivated the audience, while live musical performances by Oluv and Zagor performance by Santos Rebello, Valentino Baretto and others filled the air with the melodies of classic Konkani songs, celebrating Goa’s vibrant music heritage.

The festival was also a feast for the senses, showcasing Goa’s rich culinary and artisanal traditions. Attendees explored stunning displays of Goan bread, fresh produce, fruits, and traditional percussion instruments.

Interactive workshops on local delicacies such as bread by local baker Elvina Lacerda and koyloreo by Leticia Furtado provided an immersive experience, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.

As festival director Marius Fernandes nears his 100th community festival milestone, he was honoured with a commemorative Momento presented by host Adv. Agnelo Furtado. Reflecting on the festival’s success, Marius Fernandes shared:

“We are deeply grateful to our visitors, performers, and everyone who made this event possible. A special thanks to Adv. Agnelo and Elaine Furtado for their generosity in hosting us. This marks our 97th community festival, and we look forward to continuing this journey of celebrating unity.”

Baattachem Fest 2025 left a lasting legacy with a profound impact on all who attended, standing as a testament to Goa’s agricultural roots, cultural richness, inclusivity and commitment to sustainability. More than just a festival, it was a heartfelt celebration of unity in diversity, bringing the community closer in a truly special way.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism to Showcase Regenerative Tourism at ITB Berlin 2025

allycaralgoa

Goa Tourism is set to make a remarkable presence at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, taking place from March 4 to 6, 2025, at the Messe Berlin ExpoCenter City, Germany. With a focus on regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, adventure, and wellness tourism, Goa aims to highlight its diverse offerings beyond its famous beaches.

The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2025 will offer visitors an immersive experience inspired by Goan heritage and architecture. Designed to highlight sustainable and regenerative tourism, the pavilion will showcase Goa’s commitment to responsible travel experiences.

“As we showcase Goa at ITB Berlin 2025, our focus remains on regenerative tourism, sustainability, and preserving Goa’s cultural identity,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa. “Goa is more than just a beach destination; it is a land of rich heritage, spiritual sanctuaries, and immersive experiences that offer a deeper connection with nature and local communities. Through our participation at ITB Berlin, we aim to forge meaningful partnerships and position Goa as a leading global tourism destination that prioritizes responsible and conscious travel.”

“Our participation at ITB Berlin aligns with Goa’s vision to promote a tourism that is sustainable, community-driven, and economically beneficial,” said Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa. “By engaging with global stakeholders, we seek to bring in innovative tourism solutions, enhance our visitor experience, and ensure that tourism growth contributes positively to the environment and the people of Goa. We are actively promoting Goa beyond beaches, hinterland tourism, yoga and wellness tourism and much more.”

Visitors to the stall can explore Goa’s vibrant cultural heritage, lush hinterlands, spiritual tourism, adventure activities, and eco-friendly tourism experiences. To bring the essence of Goa to life, the pavilion will feature live cultural performances by professional Goan artists, displaying traditional music and dance forms. Additionally, an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) zone will take attendees to Goa’s breathtaking landscapes, festivals, and serene retreats.

As one of the premier global tourism trade events, ITB Berlin provides a crucial platform for Goa Tourism to connect with international tour operators, travel agencies, industry professionals, and potential investors. Goa’s delegation will actively engage in B2B meetings, networking sessions, and discussions to explore strategic partnerships and strengthen Goa’s global tourism footprint.

Goa Tourism’s participation at ITB Berlin aims to invite tourists in and around Germany and other European countries to see the beauty of Goa, it will also provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends, consumer preferences, and new opportunities, helping Goa Tourism refine its future promotional strategies. Goa Tourism invites travel professionals, media representatives, and investors to visit its pavilion at Hall 5.2b, Stand 225, and discover the many facets of Goa’s tourism landscape. From its cultural richness and adventure experiences to wellness retreats, visitors will experience firsthand why Goa remains one of the most captivating travel destinations in the world.

Entertainment

Kudmi Sigmostava 2025: A Celebration of Rich Cultural Heritage

allycaralgoa

The Kudmi Sigmostava 2025 Committee is thrilled to announce the inauguration of the first-ever Kudmi Sigmo on April 13 in Yedapadavu, Mangalore. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the celebration of Kudmi culture, and we are honored to be a part of it.

Today, the official festival logo of Kudmi Sigmostava 2025 was unveiled, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the Kudmi community. The logo embodies the spirit of unity, tradition, and celebration that defines the Kudmi people.

Kudmi Sigmostava 2025 is a grand celebration of Kudmi culture, showcasing the community’s vibrant traditions, music, dance, and cuisine. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together people from all walks of life to revel in the richness of Kudmi heritage.

The inauguration ceremony of Kudmi Sigmostava 2025 will take place on April 13 in Yedapadavu, Mangalore. The event will be attended by distinguished guests, community leaders, and members of the Kudmi community.

Social

Srinivas Dempo Elected President of Mahalaxmi Temple Managing Committee

allycaralgoa

In a significant development, renowned industrialist Srinivas Dempo has been unanimously elected as the president of the managing committee of the revered Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji, Goa. This prestigious position is a testament to Dempo’s dedication to preserving Goa’s cultural heritage and his commitment to the community.

The election saw Dempo, a seasoned leader with a proven track record, being chosen to head the managing committee of the Shree Mahalaxmi Saunsthan. He will be joined by other newly elected members, including Mahesh Candolcar as secretary, Gauresh Dhond as treasurer, and Narayan Mandrekar as attorney. Together, they will oversee the management of the temple, ensuring its smooth operation and upholding its cultural significance.

Dempo’s association with the Mahalaxmi Temple is not new. He has held the position of president in the past, demonstrating his ability to lead and manage the temple’s affairs effectively. His re-election is a clear indication of the trust and confidence the committee has in his leadership.

The Mahalaxmi Temple is a prominent landmark in Goa, attracting devotees and tourists alike. As president, Dempo will play a crucial role in preserving the temple’s heritage and promoting its values. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in addressing the challenges faced by the temple and ensuring its continued relevance in modern times.

The temple’s managing committee is responsible for overseeing various aspects, including maintenance, renovations, and community outreach programs. Under Dempo’s leadership, the committee is expected to initiate new projects and initiatives that will enhance the temple’s facilities and services, while also promoting Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

The election of Srinivas Dempo as president of the Mahalaxmi Temple managing committee is a significant development that is expected to have a positive impact on the temple and the community it serves. With his leadership and vision, the temple is poised to continue its tradition of serving as a spiritual and cultural hub for the people of Goa.