Tag: Culture

Travel

Goa Honoured with ‘The Week’s Special Editorial Award’ for Promoting Tourism through Festivals

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.

The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”

This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.

International

Leicester Goans Rock the Ekvottachem Fest: A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 23, 2025, Leicester came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Goa. The Ekvottachem Fest, meaning “Festival of Unity”, made its debut in the UK city, bringing together hundreds of Goans for a joyous celebration of heritage and community.

Organised by Festacar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-led events, the festival marked his third event in Leicester and his 103rd people’s festival globally, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping Goan culture alive beyond borders.

The day kicked off with Fr. John Tavares lighting the ceremonial lamp, a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and shared culture. The crowd then welcomed the exciting launch of Salcette Beatz, a dynamic band of young Goan musicians from Leicester, setting the tone with infectious rhythms that blended tradition and youth energy.

Festival curator Marius Fernandes led a unique Pasoi — a traditional walk where he engaged the audience with vibrant stories of Goa’s past. Highlighting instruments like the Ghumot, he brought to life the forgotten narratives that define Goan identity.

This wasn’t just a stroll — it was a walk through memory lane.

The cultural stage lit up with performances that tugged at the heartstrings of every Goan in attendance. The Kottiacho Nach, a traditional dance using coconut shells, mesmerized the crowd with its rhythm and grace.

Local chefs and home cooks served homemade Goan food, including a hands-on workshop on Atol, a traditional Goan sweet that had both young and old rolling their sleeves up.

The energy peaked when Manjit Singh, Leicester’s very own Guinness World Record holder, performed his iconic stunt — lifting a 50-kilo weight with his ears. The crowd gasped, cheered, and celebrated this fusion of strength, identity, and performance art.

The Ekvottachem Fest wasn’t just another cultural event — it was a reminder of what happens when community comes together with pride, passion, and purpose.

As Goans danced, ate, and celebrated together thousands of miles from home, the message was clear:
Unity lives on, wherever the heart of Goa beats.

Events in Goa

Festacar Celebrates 100th Edition in Style at Goa’s First Historic Honey Fest Old Goa, April 12, 2025

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The 100th edition of Festacar unfolded in vibrant fashion at the first-ever Honey Fest, held at the Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa. A landmark celebration of culture, ecology, and community, the event brought together students, faculty, cultural figures, and beekeepers from across the state.

The day began with the lively Festacarachi Pasoi—a walk through the scenic college campus that captured the festive spirit of the occasion. This was followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, officially opening a day filled with dialogue, learning, and Goan tradition.

Dean Suresh Kunkalikar honored Festakar Marius Fernandes with a shawl, coconut, and a commemorative frame, recognizing his dedication to organizing 100 community festivals. Professor Carmelito Andrade and entrepreneur Dominic D’souza also presented mementos, applauding his grassroots cultural work.

A key highlight was Balcãoacheo Gozalli, an engaging conversation between Professor Carmelito Andrade—widely known as “The Drone Man of Goa”—and Assistant Professor Rajan Shelke. The dialogue explored the significance of bee research and sustainable practices.

Professor Andrade later led a hands-on workshop alongside Lessely Pereira on beekeeping with Cerena Indica species, blending science with heritage.

The program also featured a student skit on the ecological value of bees, and cultural performances including Kottieacho Nach and Ghumtacho Avaz, choreographed and led by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. These performances celebrated Goa’s rich folklore through music and dance.

The festival brought together beekeepers from both North and South Goa, laying the groundwork for future collaboration with the Goa College of Agriculture. Conversations between Rajan Shelke and Paresh Shetgaonkar focused on packaging and branding Goan honey for wider markets.

As the event drew to a close, well-wishers celebrated Marius Fernandes’ milestone with cake and tokens of appreciation.

Reflecting on the moment, Festakar Marius Fernandes said, “The 100th fest was more than just a number—it was a celebration of tradition, learning, and community spirit. It sets the tone for what lies ahead.”

Goan Festivals

Celebrating a Century of Fests: Honey Fest at Goa College of Agriculture

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Get ready to join the buzz at the Goa College of Agriculture’s Honey Fest, celebrating a century of fests curated by the inimitable Festakar Marius Fernandes. This special event blends agriculture, culture, sustainability, and community spirit, taking place on April 12, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Fest Highlights:

  • Festakarachi Pasoi: A heritage walk led by Festakar Marius Fernandes, exploring bee-friendly flora and witnessing the hiving of stingless bees.
  • Lighting of the Lamp: A symbolic opening ceremony featuring respected names from agriculture and academia.
  • Opening Performance: A vibrant “Kottieacho Nach” dance piece choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
  • Special Milestone: A surprise tribute to mark the 100th Fest milestone curated by Festakar Marius.
  • Interactive Talks: Engaging conversations on bee management, honey packaging, and branding.
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions on beehive installation and care, and Goan honey Batica cooking demo.
  • Cultural Showcases: Fashion show, Konkani skit, traditional performances, and a surprise quiz on bees and honey.

Join the Celebration!
Dean Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar shared, “This event is a unique blend of education and celebration — highlighting the vital role of bees in agriculture while honoring local culture and knowledge.”

Festakar Marius Fernandes added, “A hundred fests later, we’re still rooted in the same idea: inclusion, sustainability, and community joy.”

Event Details:

  • Date: April 12, 2025
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Venue: Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa

Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Honey Fest celebration, learn about the importance of bees, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

Goan Festivals

Celebrating Joy, Culture and Community at the First-Ever Khoshi Lokanchem Fest – The Happy People’s Festival!

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The spirit of Goa came alive on 5th April 2025 at the Goa College of Home Science with the successful debut of the Khoshi Lokanchem Fest – the Happy People’s Festival – curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Principal Dr. Mahesh Pai. This marked Festakar’s 99th inclusive festival, celebrating Goa’s vibrant heritage, culture, food, music, and people.

The day began with the symbolic Festakar Pasoi – a special knowledge-sharing walk around the college’s loom and textile laboratory, led by Marius Fernandes and Principal Dr. Pai. Dignitaries including Miguel Braganza, Alexyz, Avelino D’sa, Nicole Suares, Willy Goes, Sheryl Afonso, Louella Dias, and Fatima Bertha Fernandes joined in the ceremonial lamp lighting. Principal Dr. Pai officially opened the festival with a warm welcome, a presentation of a Kunbi shawl and a plant to Festakar.

Book Launch – “Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes”

The festival also witnessed the heartfelt launch of Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes, a powerful debut by Nicole Suares, published by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. Noted writer Willy Goes emphasized the importance of preserving family legacies through documentation.

Culture in Conversation & Performance

A midday highlight was the Ghumot Gozalli, a spirited discussion between Marius Fernandes and journalist Nicole Suares on the future of the Ghumot – Goa’s state instrument. In a festive moment, Dr. Pai cut a Ghumot-shaped cake while the Sunshine Band performed the traditional Konkani birthday song.

Making their debut were the 5G – Global Goan Girls’ Ghumot Group with a vibrant performance of Goa Beach by Kuljeet Bhamra, choreographed by Ragwi Raju Naik.

Goan Flavours, Health and Community Wellness

In the Bolcãocheo Gozalli sessions, Professor Sheryl Afonso led insightful talks with Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas on women’s health and nutrition, followed by a session with Suman Goswami on sugar-free Goan treats like sweet potato neureos and Ragi Tizaan.

A sugar-free food workshop was complemented by a bustling bazaar with over 20 stalls offering local sweets, plants, seasonal produce, and crafts.

Workshops, Inclusion & Artistic Showcases

Counsellor Louella Dias introduced a student flash mob, followed by impactful workshops on accessibility, inclusion, and diversity by Prakash Kamat. A traditional Diuli dance and a Kunbi saree draping demonstration by Dr. Charlotte Facho Lourenco, featuring Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas as the model, showcased Goa’s living textile heritage.

In a later Bolcãocheo Gozalli, Dr. Pai and Prakash Kamat discussed building an inclusive future for Goa.

The staff of the college—teaching and non-teaching—took the stage with Goenchim Noketram, choreographed by Louella Dias. The much-loved Kottieacho Nach, choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and conceptualized by Festakar Marius, brought the community together in a joyous cultural anthem.

Live music by Dr. Glenis Mendonca (guitar) and Renald Mendonca (violin) filled the air with beloved Konkani melodies, followed by a spirited closing performance by the Sunshine Band.

In her vote of thanks, Professor Sheryl Afonso acknowledged all contributors and participants. Festakar Marius Fernandes reflected, “Khoshi Lokanchem Fest brought together diverse voices, traditions and talents, building a people-powered platform where Goa’s legacy meets contemporary relevance.”

Looking Ahead – The 100th Festival!

The grand milestone – the 100th Fest – will take place on 12th April 2025 at the Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa with the HONEY Fest, promising to inspire future generations through joy, collaboration, and cultural pride.