Tag: Deepotsav 2025

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

Travel

Goa Deepotsav 2025 to Illuminate the State with Festive Splendour and Cultural Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to usher in the festive season with Goa Deepotsav 2025, a spectacular celebration of Diwali that will illuminate the state with colour, music, and cultural vibrance. The festival will span two days across three lively venues — Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim on October 25, followed by Saligao Panchayat Area, Saligao, and Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, Mapusa on October 26.

The celebrations will commence on October 25 at Porvorim with an exciting line-up of family-friendly competitions and workshops including cooking contests, fugdi competitions, clay modelling, drawing activities for kids, and the much-loved Veshbhusha Spardha (Traditional Costume Contest). The evening will feature a formal function and a soulful musical performance, Sur Taal, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and other dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, ZP Smt. Kavita Naik, MLA Shri Kedar Naik, and senior officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC.

On October 26, the festivities will continue at the Saligao Panchayat Area with competitions such as Veshbhusha Spardha, Rangoli Making, and Cooking Contests, followed by a mesmerizing musical concert, Suron Kee Deepawali. The evening will also see the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Later that evening, the celebrations will move to Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground for the grand finale featuring creative contests like the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, alongside cultural showcases and a musical extravaganza, Rhythm of Lights. The event will host prominent leaders including the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, and several MLAs from surrounding constituencies.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that Deepotsav reflects the essence of Goa — a land where culture, creativity, and community come together in celebration. He emphasized the role of such festivals in strengthening Goa’s cultural fabric while promoting community-led tourism that preserves Goa’s living traditions.

Echoing his sentiments, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated that this year’s Deepotsav is designed to engage every generation through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences that capture Goa’s inclusive and participative spirit. He added that events like Deepotsav embody the vision of Goa Beyond Beaches, showcasing the state as a destination where culture and creativity shine brightly.

Through Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism continues to advance its vision of connecting people through shared experiences and cultural pride. The festival stands as a symbol of Goa’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As the state glows under the light of countless diyas and echoes with music and joy, Goa invites residents and visitors alike to join this radiant celebration of togetherness and tradition.

National

Ayodhya Prepares for a Grand Deepotsav 2025 with 2.8 Million Lamps and a 32-Foot Pushpak Viman

Tanisha Cardozo

Ayodhya is preparing for one of the grandest Deepotsav celebrations ever witnessed, as the temple town gears up to illuminate 56 ghats along the Sarayu River with a stunning 2.8 million earthen lamps. Scheduled for Deepavali 2025, this year’s Deepotsav promises to be a spiritual and visual extravaganza, blending devotion, tradition, and community participation.

A striking feature of the festivities this year will be the installation of a 32-foot-tall Pushpak Viman at Ram Ki Paidi. This massive structure, inspired by the celestial vehicle of Lord Ram as described in the Ramayana, will showcase key scenes from the epic in a way that brings mythology to life. It offers a unique, immersive experience for pilgrims and visitors, adding a new cultural dimension to the festival.

To bring this event to life, more than 33,000 volunteers—including students, teachers, and residents—have come together to prepare the ghats and streets of Ayodhya. From arranging lamps to assisting with safety protocols, their collective spirit reflects the deep pride the city holds in celebrating Ram’s return to Ayodhya, now symbolically reenacted each year through Deepotsav.

The event is not only spiritual but meticulously organized. Volunteers are issued ID cards and festival T-shirts, and access to the ghats is tightly controlled to maintain safety. Food safety teams are also deployed to ensure hygienic conditions for visitors. Local administration is leaving no stone unturned to make this celebration safe, inclusive, and memorable.

In line with the broader cultural ethos, saints and local leaders are promoting Swadeshi products this year, urging people to light locally made earthen lamps and support artisans. As Saint Diwakaracharya Ji Maharaj noted, “Shri Ram has been seated in the grand Ram Temple after 500 years, and this Diwali promises to be truly remarkable.” He emphasized using indigenous products and highlighted the massive community effort that makes Deepotsav special—not only for Ayodhya, but for all of India.

Adding to the spiritual energy, Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj described the traditional rituals marking the start of Deepotsav. From the Swasti mantras to the lighting of the first diya for Lord Ram and the Saryu River, each act is steeped in symbolism and reverence. Diyas are also lit for Hanuman Ji, Mata Adi Shakti, Sita Ji, and the Ram Darbar, marking a complete spiritual circle that defines the essence of Deepavali.

As thousands prepare to witness the light of millions of diyas dancing on the waters of the Sarayu, the celebration in Ayodhya stands as a glowing tribute not only to Lord Ram but to the collective spirit of a city deeply connected to its roots. Deepotsav 2025 is not just a festival—it is a living narrative of culture, community, and unwavering devotion.