Tag: Culture

Travel

Goa Gears Up for a Memorable Year-End with ‘Feels Like Goa’ Campaign

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 10th October 2025: As the festive season draws near, Goa is set to welcome visitors with its new year-end campaign — “Feels Like Goa”, a heartfelt celebration of the state’s timeless charm, cultural richness, spiritual essence, and festive spirit.

Designed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the campaign aims to evoke nostalgia and rekindle the emotional connection travelers share with Goa — reminding the world that Goa is not merely a destination, but a feeling.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

“Goa has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers across the world. With ‘Feels Like Goa’, we are bringing back the essence of what makes Goa truly unique — its people, culture, and soul. This campaign is a tribute to timeless memories and an invitation to experience Goa with the same emotion and warmth as always.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

“We are committed to regenerative tourism — creating meaningful experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. This campaign revives travel sentiment and supports local businesses while preserving the essence of Goa.”

The Department’s vision for Goa’s tourism future is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Alongside the campaign, Goa has laid the foundation for Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum — key projects that diversify travel experiences beyond beaches and nightlife.

Through “Feels Like Goa”, the government aims to position the state as a multi-dimensional destination — one where every sunset, festival, and smile carries a story.

As 2025 draws to a close, Goa invites the world to come home to its heart — to feel its rhythm, warmth, and joy once again.

Travel

Goa Tourism Highlights Regenerative Tourism Through Rural & Heritage Experiences on World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 26th September 2025 – As part of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, curated a vibrant set of immersive experiences focused on community, culture, and sustainability.

A highlight of the celebrations was the rural tourism experience at Mulgao Village. Visitors were guided through a traditional coconut farm where they learned about the production of Virgin Coconut Oil and were introduced to local deities and folk legends that form part of the region’s intangible heritage. The serene natural surroundings and storytelling format gave participants an intimate glimpse into Goa’s agrarian traditions and regenerative tourism practices.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed, “Through such rural experiences, we are showcasing Goa’s authentic culture and supporting local communities. Mulgao exemplifies how heritage and livelihood can go hand in hand when tourism is designed responsibly.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added, “The enthusiastic participation in the Mulgao Village Experience demonstrates the growing appeal of community-based tourism. We will continue to curate such experiences across Goa to highlight our state’s diversity and sustainability practices.”

In parallel, Goa Tourism also organized a special Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tour for children from Bal Bhavan. This initiative offered young students an exciting, educational journey through key tourist attractions across North Goa. The Hon’ble Minister also took the opportunity to interact with the children and handed out Goa Tourism caps as a souvenir of their experience.

The day’s activities were designed to highlight the broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches” and reflect the Department’s commitment to regenerative tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, environmental care, and inclusive community participation.

Looking ahead, Goa Tourism has lined up a series of events as part of the extended World Tourism Day celebrations. These include scenic boat cruises, a Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa, and a special film festival at ESG that will showcase Goa’s heritage and conservation narratives.

The 2025 edition of World Tourism Day serves as a reaffirmation of Goa’s evolving role as a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in India.

Human Interest

Lisbon: A Meeting of Rivers, Roads and Roots – A Story by Marius Festakar

Tanisha Cardozo

Sailing into Lisbon on my cruise felt like entering a living history book. As the ship glided up the broad Tagus River, the city revealed itself — church spires, tiled façades, and the iconic sweep of the 25 de Abril Bridge. It reminded me that, like Goa, Lisbon treats the sea not as a boundary but a bridge — one that connects cultures, faiths, and communities across oceans.

Walking through the Alfama quarter, I was overcome by a sense of familiarity. The winding cobbled streets, azulejo-tiled buildings, and the haunting strains of fado evoked the same nostalgia I’ve experienced during Goa’s festas. Standing at the Castelo de São Jorge, gazing over the red rooftops spilling toward the river, I thought of the ships that once sailed east — many bound for Goa — shaping our cuisine, architecture, and shared traditions.

Transport in Lisbon was not just functional; it was part of the story. I climbed aboard the yellow Tram 28 — its wooden frame squealing as it negotiated narrow alleys and steep hills, brushing past miradouros and historic churches. Later, I switched to a tuk-tuk — a playful, modern twist on mobility. The driver, lively and knowledgeable, pointed out secret viewpoints and offered stories that felt deeply personal. In those moments, I saw Lisbon’s two faces: one grounded in heritage, the other moving forward with energy.

One of the places that touched me deeply was the Church of St. Anthony, built near the saint’s birthplace. St. Anthony is beloved in both Lisbon and Goa. We celebrate his feast with music, prayer, and devotion back home. Standing in that church, I was reminded that traditions travel — just as I’ve carried stories, songs, and festivals between Lisbon and Goa.

For over 25 years, through 103 people’s festivals across Goa, I’ve worked to showcase our community’s resilience and joy. In Lisbon, I saw a kindred spirit — a city that respects its past while embracing the present. Sipping a pastel de nata with a bold bica, I thought of how sharing a Goan Doce de Grao at our festivals is more than hospitality — it’s a cultural handshake, a bite-sized story.

As the ship pulled away at sunset, Lisbon did not feel like a mere stop on the map. It felt like a mirror to my own path as Marius Festakar — a journey rooted in tradition, shaped by the sea, and driven by a deep desire to keep our heritage alive, accessible, and inclusive.

Human Interest

Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju Visits Aguada Fort & Museum, Showcasing Goa’s Rich Heritage

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Goa, known for its sun-kissed beaches and rich history, witnessed a special visit as Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju explored the state’s cultural gems — the Aguada Fort, lighthouse, and interactive museum in Sinquerim.

Accompanied by Calangute MLA Shri Michael Lobo and other dignitaries, the Governor also paid a visit to the historic St. Lawrence Church. The visit highlighted the significance of preserving Goa’s heritage while promoting tourism.

The Aguada Fort, once a strategic Portuguese defense base and later a prison, has now been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Its restored architecture and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea make it a must-visit destination. The interactive museum, designed within the old prison cells, offers an engaging glimpse into Goa’s culture, history, and freedom struggle, complete with exhibits, documentaries, and artifacts.

MLA Michael Lobo, who had earlier suggested converting the fort’s jail into a museum, has been at the forefront of initiatives to promote heritage conservation. His vision and efforts have now turned Aguada into a symbol of Goa’s rich legacy.

Governor Raju’s visit reinforces the importance of cultural preservation, tourism development, and community engagement in celebrating Goa’s past and showcasing it to the world.

By exploring such historical landmarks, visitors gain not only a visual treat but also a deeper understanding of Goa’s vibrant journey — from colonial rule to its dynamic present.

📖 For more stories on Goa’s heritage and culture, visit allycaral.com