Tag: Culture

Travel

Aguad Port and Jail Complex to Represent Goa at Asia’s Largest Travel Mart, OTM 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

One of Goa’s most iconic heritage spaces, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, is set to make its presence felt at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, to be held from February 5 to 7 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. Representing Goa on one of Asia’s largest travel trade platforms, Aguad will showcase the state’s rich cultural history and evolving tourism experiences to a global audience.

OTM is regarded as one of the leading international travel trade exhibitions, focusing on the travel, tourism, hospitality and MICE industries. The event brings together travel brands, destinations, tour operators, buyers and industry professionals from across the world. With around 2,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries, the exhibition is expected to welcome more than 50,000 visitors over the three-day event.

At OTM 2026, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex aims to highlight the diverse experiences offered at the site. These include immersive heritage walks that narrate the complex’s role as a strategic defence structure and as a prison that once housed freedom fighters. By blending historical narratives with curated visitor engagement, Aguad positions itself as a space where Goa’s layered past meets contemporary cultural tourism.

Experiences such as heritage cruises and boat transfers will also be showcased, offering visitors panoramic views of Goa’s coastline, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, and the surrounding Aguada Bay as vessels glide through the Arabian Sea. These offerings are being positioned as complete experiences that combine scenic beauty, history and leisure.

Speaking about the participation, Savio Mathias, Vice President – Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port and Jail Complex, said that Aguad is more than just a historic landmark and represents a space where Goa’s history comes alive through thoughtfully curated visitor experiences. He noted that OTM provides an ideal platform to present Aguad as a key destination in Goa, with potential for cultural tourism, events and immersive programming, while also fostering collaborations that promote responsible tourism and enhance visitor engagement.

With its participation at OTM 2026, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex continues to strengthen its position as a significant cultural destination, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Goa beyond its beaches through history, heritage and meaningful storytelling.

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True Strength of Nation Lies in Character of Its Citizens: Commodore Chauhan at Aashiyana Institute Republic Day Celebration

allycaralgoa

VASCO, Goa: Aashiyana Institute celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day with enthusiasm, pride, and patriotic spirit at its Zari, Zuarinagar, Sancoale campus. The occasion was graced by Commodore Pavan Chauhan, VSM (Retd.), Indian Navy, as the Chief Guest, along with school management, parents, teachers, and students.

The programme commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag, a ceremonial salute, and the singing of the National Anthem, filling the campus with unity and reverence for the Constitution of India.

In his address, Commodore Chauhan highlighted that the true strength of a nation lies not in weapons or economic might, but in the character of its citizens. He encouraged students to be honest, disciplined, kind, and responsible, and to serve the nation with integrity and a strong moral compass.

A special moment was the unveiling of a school portrait gifted by parent Mr. Abdul Gani, symbolizing the bond between the school and its parent community. The Chief Guest, along with school dignitaries, unveiled the artwork.

The cultural programme featured performances across all grades:

  • Primary students presented a soulful patriotic song and a skit on Fundamental Rights.
  • Pre-primary students delighted the audience with a patriotic melody.
  • Senior students showcased Goa’s cultural identity and democratic history through a programme on Asmitai Dis (Goa’s Opinion Poll Day).

Students from Classes 4 and 5, who participated in the Inter-School Science Fair organised by the Board of Innovative Education earlier this month, were felicitated for their curiosity, creativity, and scientific spirit.

In his address, Mr. Shoaib Shaikh, Officiating Headmaster, stressed that Republic Day reminds everyone to uphold the Constitution, respect diversity, and nurture children to become responsible citizens.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the National Anthem, leaving attendees with renewed patriotism and civic responsibility.

Events in Goa

Goa Celebrates the Feast of Three Kings with Faith, Culture, and Community Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa marked the Feast of the Three Kings with deep devotion and vibrant cultural expression across the picturesque villages of Cansaulim, Chandor, and Reis Magos, bringing together local communities and visitors in a shared observance of faith, tradition, and heritage. The annual celebration, closely associated with the Christian feast of Epiphany, continues to hold a special place in Goa’s cultural and spiritual calendar.

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation team led by Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, along with Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, General Manager Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, and other officials actively participated in the celebrations at Reis Magos. Solemn masses and processions held at local churches formed the spiritual core of the festivities, fostering a strong sense of devotion and communal unity.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted the importance of such celebrations in preserving Goa’s identity, noting that cultural and spiritual festivals form an integral part of the State’s tourism landscape. He observed that these events reflect Goa’s deep-rooted faith, harmony, and community participation, while offering visitors an opportunity to experience authentic local traditions.

Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, emphasised the role of community-based festivals in presenting Goa’s cultural identity, stating that such celebrations help connect visitors with local traditions while ensuring that cultural practices continue to thrive within their natural community settings.

A key highlight of the celebration was the evocative reenactment of the journey of the Magi, with three young men symbolically portraying the Wise Men as they carried traditional offerings through village streets. Traditional music, colourful processions, and community-led events added vibrancy and emotional depth to the festivities, drawing participation from all age groups.

The outreach of the celebration was further strengthened through a focused promotional campaign using digital platforms and influencer collaborations, enabling the cultural significance of the Three Kings Feast to reach audiences beyond the State. Goa Tourism also set up an information canopy at the church premises, where visitors were provided details on tourism services and offered refreshments and mementoes, enhancing their overall experience.

The Feast of the Three Kings 2026 once again underscored Goa’s rich spiritual traditions and strong community bonds, reinforcing its identity as a destination where faith, culture, and tradition continue to be celebrated in a meaningful and inclusive manner.

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 Concludes 10th Edition with a Grand, Multidisciplinary Finale

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 drew to a memorable close in Panaji, marking the conclusion of its landmark 10th edition with a sweeping celebration of artistic expression across disciplines. Over ten days, the festival transformed Goa’s public spaces, heritage buildings, and cultural venues into hubs of creativity, dialogue, and community engagement, reaffirming its place as one of India’s most significant multidisciplinary arts festivals.

As the festival concluded, the Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, accompanied by Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder Patron of Serendipity Arts, visited several festival venues across the city. Their walkthrough included Azad Maidan, the Old PWD Building, the Directorate of Accounts, the Old GMC Complex, and Art Park, where they interacted with artists, curators, and members of the festival team. The visit highlighted the festival’s expansive programming and its meaningful engagement with public and heritage spaces, underscoring its role in enriching Goa’s cultural landscape.

The closing day featured a series of standout performances across music and theatre. The Arena at Nagalli Hills hosted a vibrant finale curated by Sneha Khanwalkar, bringing together artists including Mulla Altaf Raja Ebrahim, Jasbir Jassi, Sunetra Banerjee, Maithili Shome, Zoheb Husain Khan, and Gaurav Pawankumar Khullar. The concert blended beloved tracks with bold sonic experimentation, delivering a colourful, playful, and energetic conclusion that left audiences exhilarated.

Theatre programming concluded at the Old GMC Complex with Bob Marley from Kodihalli, curated by Sankar Venkateswaran. The Kannada production drew inspiration from the legacy of reggae icon Bob Marley to examine questions of identity, freedom, and caste through a compelling mix of Brechtian theatre and musical interludes, inviting audiences to reflect on marginalised voices and social realities.

Music continued to resonate across venues with the Nagaland Madrigal Singers performing at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir. The 19-member choir presented a repertoire spanning classical sacred works, Naga and Asian folk music, international folk songs, and contemporary compositions, showcasing their artistic versatility and cultural heritage. The same venue hosted Spirit and Harmony: A Christmas Special, curated by Ranjit Barot, which ushered in the festive season with a grand big-band production celebrating iconic holiday music in a visually rich setting.

The River Raag series concluded with Manganiyar Parampara at Santa Monica Jetty, where Manganiyar musicians from Rajasthan performed against the backdrop of the Mandovi River. The sunset cruise performance wove together folk traditions, nature, and spirituality, offering a poetic and reflective conclusion as music flowed alongside the river.

Throughout the final day, visitors continued to engage with exhibitions and installations that remained open across venues. These included Multiplay 02: Soft Systems, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa, What Does Loss Taste Like?, Home is Where the Heart is, Infinite Drape, Stepwells: Poetry in Craft, and Hands, Tools, and the Living Thread, among many others. A photography exhibition exploring the evolving idea of home brought together five photographers whose works reflected personal and intergenerational perspectives on belonging.

The festival’s commitment to inclusivity remained central until the very end. The Children’s Programme at Art Park concluded with storytelling sessions, workshops, and interactive experiences, while accessibility initiatives at The Access Village continued through exhibitions, sensory spaces, and workshops designed to ensure an inclusive festival experience for all.

As Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 came to a close, it left behind ten days of artistic exploration that celebrated diversity, innovation, and dialogue. Spanning theatre, music, visual arts, craft, photography, culinary arts, and accessibility programming, the festival once again demonstrated the transformative power of the arts to bring people together and reimagine shared cultural spaces.

Events in Goa

Contemporary Goan Writing Explores Identity, Land, and Inclusion at MOG Sundays

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Contemporary Goan writing and art are navigating pressing questions of belonging, land, language, and social inclusion amid a period of rapid change, according to writers and poets at a recent MOG Sunday discussion at the Museum of Goa (MOG). The session focused on The Brave New World of Goan Writing & Art 2025, an anthology that brings together fiction, essays, and art criticism spanning Konkani and Portuguese works in translation, queer narratives, and reflections by artists, curators, researchers, and heritage practitioners.

The discussion featured contributors Heta Pandit, Janeita Singh, Annie Sengupta, and Glenis Mendonca, in conversation with moderator Aaron Monteiro. Conversations explored the cultural significance of Goan homes, the role of informal community spaces, and notions of public responsibility, while also delving into the complex identities of contemporary Goan artists who navigate multiple cultural worlds. The anthology highlights the value of retaining untranslatable words, documenting environmental and social transformations, and bringing historically marginalised narratives around caste, gender, and queer communities into the spotlight.

Speakers emphasised that translation, documentation, and critical engagement are crucial for sustaining Goa’s rich and diverse cultural voices during a time of rapid transformation. The discussion reflected a vision of Goan identity that embraces complexity, hybridity, and inclusivity, positioning literature and art as vital tools for understanding and shaping the state’s evolving cultural landscape.