Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.

Goan Personalities

Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, Portugal


Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo recently visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal, one of the most significant and revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Their visit was a moment of spiritual reflection and devotion at a place that stands as a symbol of faith, peace, and divine grace.

Located in the quiet town of Fátima, the sanctuary marks the site where three shepherd children witnessed the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Since then, it has become a global center of faith, attracting millions of pilgrims every year who come to seek solace, healing, and spiritual renewal.

During their visit, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo offered prayers at the Chapel of the Apparitions and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Immersed in an atmosphere of reverence and calm, they reflected on the timeless message of hope and compassion that continues to resonate through the story of Fátima.

Their pilgrimage was a moment of connection with a centuries-old tradition of faith, emphasizing the importance of spiritual grounding and gratitude. The visit serves as a reminder that faith transcends borders and that places of devotion like Fátima continue to inspire hearts around the world with their message of peace, belief, and divine love.

Special Occasion

A Day of Daughters: Love, Pride, and the Power of a Smile — Leaders Across Goa Celebrate National Daughters Day


National Daughters Day is not just a celebration—it is a feeling etched deep into the hearts of parents, families, and communities. It’s a reminder of the unconditional love, boundless energy, and quiet strength that daughters bring into our lives every single day. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the joys of raising a daughter, to honor their spirit, and to amplify their voices in a world that hasn’t always treated them equally.

In its earliest form, the day was created to counter harmful cultural norms in societies where daughters were undervalued. It served—and still serves—as a powerful reminder that every girl deserves to grow up in a world that sees her as strong, capable, and irreplaceable. Over time, the meaning of the day has deepened. It’s become personal, emotional—a celebration of identity, of dreams, and of the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her parents.

Goa echoed this emotion as National Daughters Day was met with warmth and admiration from leaders across the state. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant shared a heartfelt message about empowering girls and supporting their ambitions. MLAs Rohan Khaunte, Michael Lobo, Yuri Alemao, Delilah Lobo, Jit Vinayak Arolkar, Chandrakant Shetye, and Speaker Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar also expressed their love and pride—reminding their communities of the beauty and power daughters bring into our world.

These tributes transcended political boundaries—they came from a place of genuine love. They celebrated daughters not as future leaders or citizens alone, but as individuals who matter deeply in the present moment. Girls who are strong, curious, creative, and brave. Girls whose dreams deserve to be nurtured and whose presence brings life to every home.

Across the world, Daughters Day is celebrated on various dates—September 25 in many places, the fourth Sunday of September in India, or even September 28 or October 1 in other regions. But the meaning remains timeless and universal. It’s a day rooted in the heart, not just the calendar.

Families mark the day in different ways. Some take their daughters out for special meals or create small keepsakes. Others simply spend time together—talking, laughing, reflecting. Social media fills with warm photos and tributes, filled with pride and emotion. In more challenging parts of the world, the day becomes a platform to advocate for education, safety, and equality for every girl.

At its core, National Daughters Day is a love letter. A promise. A moment to say: You are valued. You are powerful. You are loved.

In a daughter’s laughter lives our hope. In her dreams, our future. In her strength, our pride.

And that is worth celebrating—not just today, but always.

Politics

Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo Extends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes to Son Daniel Lobo


Panaji, August 2025: Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo took to social media to pen a heartfelt birthday message for her son Daniel Lobo, the Sarpanch of Parra Village Panchayat.

Her post read: “Happy Birthday, my dear son @danielloboofficial ! 🎉 May God’s abundant blessings and Mother Mary’s loving care be with you today and always. Watching you grow into the amazing person you are fills my heart with pride. Wishing you a year filled with happiness, opportunities and remarkable success! 🌟🎂”

Daniel Lobo, who has been serving as the Sarpanch of Parra, has been actively engaged in developmental initiatives and community service in the village. His leadership has drawn admiration from locals, and his mother’s affectionate message highlighted both personal pride and public recognition.

The post quickly gained attention among followers, with many extending their own wishes to Daniel on his special day.

This warm moment reflects the close-knit relationship between the MLA and her son, blending personal affection with the spirit of public service.