Events in Goa

Goa Institute of Management’s ‘Inception 2025’ Returns with Two-Day Celebration of Performing Arts


~ GIM’s flagship cultural festival ‘Inception 2025’ is set to present a showcase of students’ creativity in performing arts

~ The event will take place on February 15 and 16 at the Sanquelim-based campus.

Panaji, February 2025: ‘Inception 2025’, the marquee annual performing arts festival by Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is set to transform the Sanquelim campus into a vibrant arena of artistic expression, featuring student performances across music, dance, fashion, and culinary arts.

Scheduled for February 15 and 16, the festival presents a compelling repertoire of competitive events. The dance segment features ‘Feet on Fire’, showcasing synchronized group performances, while ‘Just Du-et’ will spotlight solo and duo choreographies. ‘Melody & Muse’, the festival’s signature music competition, will provide a platform for vocalists and instrumentalists from the student community. The Lost Fireflies, one of Lucknow’s woman-fronted bands will conclude day one with a melodious performance.

Day two of the event will feature ‘Melange’, GIM’s fashion showcase, where students will demonstrate their creative vision and artistic sensibilities. The event will conclude with a headline performance by Bengaluru’s acclaimed progressive fusion ensemble, Pineapple Express, celebrated for their innovative fusion of traditional rhythms with contemporary musical expressions.

“Inception – The Performing Arts Society of GIM has consistently elevated the institute’s cultural landscape through this annual celebration. The event embodies our commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and creative expression, creating a dynamic platform where students, performers, and art enthusiasts converge to celebrate talent,” said Prof. Ajit Parulekar, Director, Goa Institute of Management (GIM).

The festival’s anticipation was heightened through two precursor events – a musical performance by ‘OxyGIM’, the institute’s band, followed by the strategic unveiling of the event’s beverage partner.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Countdown Begins for the Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2025 – 3rd to 5th January 2025


Margao, 31st December 2024 – The stage is set for the much-anticipated Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2025, which will take place from January 3rd to January 5th, 2025, at Costa/Dukle Properties, next to Costa Factory, Margao. Organized by the Department of Tourism, this three-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience, blending Goa’s rich culinary heritage with vibrant cultural performances and artistic displays.

The festival will open on January 3rd with the inauguration in the esteemed presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, along with other prominent dignitaries: Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, Printing & Stationary, Shri Digambar Kamat, MLA – Margao Constituency, Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA – Sanvordem & Chairman GTDC, Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa and Shri Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council.

The opening evening will include a lamp-lighting ceremony, a felicitation honoring prominent personalities, and a traditional welcome dance. Attendees can look forward to enthralling performances by Divya Naik, the band Lynx, and a captivating dance and music showcase by Kanta Gaude and Pure Magic, setting the stage for a vibrant start to the festival.

Commenting on the festival, the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said, “The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2025 is a celebration of Goa’s rich heritage and also an opportunity to present our state as a global destination for food, art, and cultural experiences. We are committed to showcasing the best of Goa to visitors from around the world.”

Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, added, “This festival is a perfect representation of Goa’s diverse culture and hospitality. It is our endeavor to create memorable experiences for every visitor and continue promoting Goa as a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination.”

On January 4th, the second day will spotlight budding talent and tourism-related activities, celebrating Goa’s artistic diversity. Visitors can enjoy a performance by Konkani duet singers and a dance act by the Goan Image Dance Troop. The evening will feature a dynamic act by Samruddh and Vibha with their troupe, a comedy session by Saidutt Kamat, and a high-energy performance by the band Lace, ensuring an entertaining and engaging experience for all.

The grand finale on January 5th will celebrate Goa’s cultural and artistic vibrancy. Highlights will include a dazzling performance by Rajesh and Gautami with their troupe and a captivating dance act by the Goan Image Dance Troop. Music enthusiasts can revel in a soulful session by Nishi Singh and her musicians, followed by a touch of humor with a mimicry performance by Manohar Bhingi. The festival will conclude on a high note with a grand finale performance by the band Purple Rain.

The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2025 is a celebration of Goa’s spirit, showcasing the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Visitors will have the opportunity to savor the state’s culinary treasures, enjoy a rich cultural experience, and create unforgettable memories.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Goa’s Unique New Year’s Eve Tradition: Burning of the ‘Old Man’ Effigy


As the world welcomes the New Year with fireworks, parties, and celebrations, Goa has its own unique tradition to bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new one. At midnight, locals gather to burn the ‘Old Man’ effigy, symbolizing the release of past hardships and embracing a fresh start.

A Symbolic Ritual

The burning of the ‘Old Man’ effigy is a powerful ritual that represents the destruction of the old and the birth of the new. It’s a time for Goans to reflect on the past year, letting go of its hardships and challenges, and embracing the opportunities and possibilities that the new year brings.

A Celebration of Renewal

As the effigy burns, locals celebrate with music, dance, and fireworks, marking the beginning of a new year filled with hope, promise, and renewal. It’s a time for family and friends to come together, share stories, and make new memories.

Experience Goa’s Unique NYE Tradition

If you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Goa, make sure to experience this unique tradition firsthand. Join the locals in burning the ‘Old Man’ effigy and celebrate the start of a new year in true Goan style.

When: December 31st, midnight

Where: Various locations across Goa

What to expect: Burning of the ‘Old Man’ effigy, music, dance, fireworks, and celebrations.

Come and experience the magic of Goa’s New Year’s Eve tradition!

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Star Encounters

Amit & Sakshi: The Dynamic Duo Set to Dazzle Hyderabad on New Year’s Eve


Hyderabad, get ready to witness a spectacle like no other! The renowned artist duo, Amit & Sakshi, are all set to take the stage by storm on New Year’s Eve. After a brief stint in Goa, the duo departed early this morning on a flight to Hyderabad, where they will deliver a show-stopping performance to ring in the new year.

A Captivating Act

Amit & Sakshi are known for their captivating acts that blend music, dance, and entertainment. Their performances are a perfect blend of energy, passion, and creativity, leaving audiences spellbound and asking for more. On New Year’s Eve, they promise to deliver an unforgettable night of entertainment that will leave Hyderabad talking for weeks to come.

A Night to Remember

The dynamic duo’s performance on New Year’s Eve is expected to be a sold-out event, with fans and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their show. The event promises to be a night to remember, with Amit & Sakshi’s captivating act, stunning visuals, and an electric atmosphere that will keep the audience on their toes.

The Event will be held at Novotel airport Hyderabad.

Don’t miss out on the excitement! We wish Amit and Sakshi a very Happy New Year in advance.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Breaking Barriers: Serendipity Arts Festival 2024


A unique experiential programme at the ongoing Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) 2024 has given a different twist to the concept of ‘blind dating’. 

Among the highlights of the festival’s 9th edition is the innovative ‘Blind Date with Friends,’ an experiential programme designed to foster deeper connections and mutual understanding. Participants are paired with visually impaired individuals for a journey through the festival’s exhibits, sharing conversations, meals and art experiences. “The process itself is the art,” explains Salil Chaturvedi, the programme’s curator, emphasising how such encounters break barriers and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives.

Goa-based Salil Chaturvedi, an acclaimed writer, poet and disability campaigner, has virtually redefined the intersection of art and accessibility at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024. Known for his poignant works in poetry and fiction, as well as groundbreaking advocacy, Salil has steered SAF 2024’s accessibility-focused initiatives, creating inclusive spaces where creativity and community meet.

This year’s accessibility interventions aimed to set a benchmark for inclusive art spaces, which included tactile exhibits and ramps to outdoor rest areas and wheelchair-friendly installations. A professional access audit guided these changes, ensuring thoughtful infrastructure upgrades across heritage venues. Additionally, initiatives like a deaf poetry jam and tactile art workshops brought artists with disabilities to the forefront, challenging traditional notions of visibility in art.

Salil’s collaboration with differently-abled artists has been transformative. “For the first time, we prioritised their presence not just as participants but as curators and creators,” he shared. Projects like ‘Nature’s Symphony: A Bird Watching Adventure’, where visually impaired individuals explore nature, and others where they create art from beach waste and the tactile design programme, ‘Touched’, crafted with input from blind schools, highlighted how sensory and emotional experiences can redefine art.

Through these efforts, Salil envisions a future where inclusivity is the norm, rather than the exception. “The mindset shift is key,” he stressed, advocating for leadership roles for people with disabilities in cultural institutions. By blending empathy, technology and innovative programming, his vision offered a roadmap for inclusive art, fostering a space where everyone can contribute and experience its transformative power.