Events in Goa

Lokotsav Festival 2026 to Celebrate Culture at Kala Academy; Volunteers Invited


The Department of Art & Culture, Government of Goa, will be organising the much-awaited Lokotsav Festival 2026 from January 20 to January 29, 2026, at the Kala Academy Complex, Panaji. The festival is expected to draw large crowds, offering a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Lokotsav 2026 will feature a wide range of cultural programmes, live performances, and a grand Handicrafts and Craft Bazaar, showcasing traditional art forms and craftsmanship from across the country. A special pavilion highlighting the national theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” will be set up at the Kala Academy premises, along with a curated exhibition at the Art Gallery.

Adding an interactive dimension to the festival, the department will also organise craft-making workshops for the general public and art enthusiasts, offering hands-on exposure to traditional skills and creative practices.

In preparation for the event, the Directorate of Art & Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji, has invited applications from college students, local NGOs engaged in social work, and youth aged between 20 and 35 years from Panaji and nearby areas to serve as Volunteers for the festival.

Selected volunteers will be required to serve for 11 days, from January 19 to January 29, 2026, during the evening hours of 3.00 pm to 10.30 pm. A stipend will be paid to all volunteers for their services.

Interested applicants must submit their applications on plain paper, along with Aadhaar card details, to the Office of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa, on or before January 14, 2026, during office hours. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lokotsav Festival 2026 promises to be a grand celebration of art, culture, and community participation—offering volunteers a unique opportunity to be part of one of Goa’s most prominent cultural events.

Business

Dipak Bandekar Inaugurates Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair, New Delhi


The Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was officially inaugurated by Dipak Bandekar, Director of Information and Publicity, marking an important moment for the state at one of India’s most prominent trade showcases.

Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a Government of India enterprise, this year’s fair is themed “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” celebrating unity in diversity and development across states.

The Goa Pavilion highlights the state’s cultural heritage, innovation, and progress, reflecting Goa’s strong development narrative.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by:

  • Shanto Naik, Assistant Information Officer, DIP
  • Siddhesh Samant, Information Assistant
  • Vishant Pilarnkar, Investment Relations Officer, IPB
  • Deepak Parab, Nodal Officer, GI
  • Officials from various participating departments

On the occasion, Bandekar released a special brochure titled “#AtmanirbharBharat #SwayampurnaGoa”, showcasing Goa’s strides in self-reliance, sustainability, and holistic progress.

The Goa Pavilion continues to draw attention at the fair, reinforcing the state’s commitment to innovation and cultural pride.

National

A Proud Moment for Goa Police: 700 India Reserve Battalion Recruits Graduate from LBPA Assam


Panjim, August 12, 2025 — In a tangible demonstration of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, 700 recruits of the India Reserve Battalion, Goa Police, have successfully completed their intense training at the prestigious Lasipara Battalion (LBPA) in Assam.

Training Excellence Across States

Goa Police commend the dedication and resilience of the IRB recruits who underwent a demanding training regimen at LBPA Assam—a facility renowned for its advanced methodologies and infrastructure. The training focused on upgrading combat readiness, tactical operations, and internal security preparedness.

Assam’s Generous Support

A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose support in granting access to such high-quality training facilities has been a cornerstone of this successful initiative. His leadership enabled meaningful inter-state cooperation, setting a new benchmark for training standards.

Embodying National Unity

This collaboration resonates with the vision of a united and empowered India. By pooling resources and expertise, the two states reaffirm a spirit of national solidarity and mutual respect that elevates internal security readiness and governance.