Tag: Cultural Unity

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.

Special Occasion

The Spirit of Onam: Celebrating Kerala’s Grand Festival of Harvest and Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Team Allycaral

Every year, as Kerala’s lush fields turn golden and the rainforest retreats from the skies, the state comes alive with the festivities of Onam—a ten-day festival that is as vibrant in ritual as it is rich in meaning.

Onam’s origins lie in the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent asura king renowned for his fairness, whose reign was remembered as Kerala’s golden age. Concerned by his growing power, the devas enlisted Lord Vishnu as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to reclaim cosmic balance. After Mahabali offered everything he had—including his own head for the third step—Vishnu banished him to the netherworld but, moved by his humility, granted him permission to return once every year. That annual homecoming is celebrated as Onam—symbolizing gratitude, humility, and the bond between ruler and people.

Kerala embraces Onam with exuberance: from Atham, when the first layer of the Pookalam—an intricate floral carpet—is laid, to Thiruvonam, the climactic day of feasting and family reunion. The Pookalam evolves over the days into a stunning mosaic of colors and blooms. On the waterways, Vallamkali—snake boat races—unfold in echoes of rhythmic drumming and spirited oar strokes as villages unite in competition.

Central to the festival is the famed Onam Sadya, a lavish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves that can feature anywhere from 11 to over 20 dishes. Each plate—be it Avial’s creamy medley, spicy pickles, tangy curries, or the sweet embrace of Payasam—speaks of diversity, togetherness, and Kerala’s agricultural bounty.

Throughout these days, the air fills with dance and drama: women perform Kaikottikali as they clap in rhythm, while the streets echo with the painted roars of Pulikali—tiger dances—bringing both art and laughter to Onam.

What elevates Onam beyond its rituals is its spirit of inclusivity: Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and non-Malayali communities come together to celebrate a shared heritage of unity, harmony, and joy. In 2025, Onam is being celebrated from August 26 through September 5, with Thiruvonam on September 5—marking the joyous culmination of a season steeped in myth, cultural pride, and communal warmth.

From the first Pookalam petal to the final taste of Payasam, Onam continues to weave Kerala’s past and present into a vibrant celebration of life itself.

Team Allycaral wishes you a Very Happy Onam!
May this harvest festival fill your life with prosperity, happiness, and togetherness.

International

First-Ever Ekvottachem Fest Unites Leicester’s Goans in a Celebration of Culture and Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Leicester, UK – 21st August 2025: A historic cultural milestone will be marked in Leicester this August with the city’s first-ever Ekvottachem Fest – a people-powered celebration of Goan identity, togetherness, and tradition. Held at John Bosco Hall from 6:00 pm onwards, the festival is the brainchild of globally renowned Festakar Marius Fernandes, the visionary behind over 100 grassroots cultural festivals around the world.

What is Ekvottachem Fest?

Rooted in the Goan word “ekvott”, meaning unity, the festival brings the Goan community together in a celebration that transcends borders. True to its ethos, the event is completely community-driven – with no sponsors, no VIP guests, and no commercial backing. Instead, it shines a spotlight on shared heritage, volunteer spirit, and cultural pride.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Balcaoacho Gozalli – Goan-style chats capturing the essence of village balcaos (balconies), promoting intergenerational storytelling.
  • Kottiacho Nach – A vibrant traditional coconut shell dance conceptualised by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
  • Festacarachi Pasoi – A Leicester-style heritage walk inspired by Goa’s rich history.
  • Karyashala – Interactive workshops teaching the making of traditional Goan sweets.
  • Goenche Jevonn – An authentic Goan food experience.
  • Live Music & Dance Performances – Celebrating Goan rhythms and local talents.

One of the festival’s major highlights will be the launch of “Saxtti Beats”, a youth-led Goan music band based in Leicester. This debut symbolises the vibrant energy of the next generation carrying forward the cultural torch.

The Leicester edition marks Marius Fernandes’ 103rd community festival globally, and the third in the UK, under his visionary movement: “Festakar Without Borders”. Past editions have empowered communities across continents to celebrate their culture without the constraints of commercialisation.

Local cultural champions Espirito Roy Sequeira, Melba Fernandes, Elvina Maria Fernandes, Steven Gonsalves, and Jancia Da Silva Almeida have played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting this event.

Beyond the festivities, Ekvottachem Fest is a call to UK-based Goans – especially the youth – to reconnect with their language, roots, and traditions, while embracing the diversity and inclusivity of modern Leicester.

As Festakar Marius Fernandes says:

“Goans everywhere share a common bond of unity. Whether in Goa, the UK, or anywhere in the world, our heritage, values, and togetherness are what keep our community strong.”

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just a one-day event – it’s the beginning of a cultural reawakening for Goans in the UK and beyond.

📍Event Details:
 Ekvottachem Fest – Festival of Unity
 📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025
🕕 6:00 PM onwards
📌 John Bosco Hall, Leicester
🎟️ Entry: Free

International

Leicester Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Ekvottachem Fest Celebrating Goan Culture, Unity & Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On Saturday, 23rd August 2025, Leicester will become the stage for a historic cultural milestone — the first-ever Ekvottachem Fest, an inclusive celebration of Goan culture, heritage, and togetherness. This unique grassroots festival will be held at St John Bosco Hall from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and best of all, it’s free and open to all.

✨ Curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes

With 101 festivals already under his belt, community-builder Marius Fernandes (affectionately called “Festakar”) brings his festival-making magic to Leicester for the very first time. His mission is simple but powerful: use festivals as tools for inclusion, joy, and connection.

“This is not just a festival,” says Marius. “It’s a gathering of hearts — no barriers, no tickets, no exclusion.”

🎭 What’s Happening at Ekvottachem Fest?

  • Kottieacho Nach: A traditional Goan coconut dance choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas
  • Ghumtacho Avaz: A musical journey with the ancient Goan percussion instrument, the ghumot
  • Karyshala: Interactive workshops and creative spaces for all ages
  • Festakarachi Pasoi: An exhibit tracing Marius’s 100+ festivals
  • Balcaoacho Gozalli: Balcony-style chats reflecting on memory, identity, and belonging
  • Goenchem Jevonn: A delicious Goan food experience
  • Goan-Inspired Fashion Show: Celebrating traditional and modern Goan designs

🎶 Leicester Sunshine Band – Debut Performance

A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Leicester Sunshine Band – a multicultural music ensemble formed specially for the festival. Their music will symbolize harmony, creativity, and community.

🕊️ Why It Matters

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just about culture — it’s about inclusion, heritage, identity, and joy. In a world where people often feel divided, this festival invites everyone — Goan or not — to come together, share stories, and dance in celebration of diversity.

📌 Event Details

📍 Venue: St John Bosco Hall, Leicester
📅 Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Absolutely FREE | All are warmly welcome – the Festakar way!