Goan Personalities

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Joins Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations at CM Devendra Fadnavis’ Residence


Mumbai | 3rd September 2025

On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte paid a visit to the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, joining the festive celebrations and extending warm greetings.

The meeting underscored the deep cultural and social ties between Goa and Maharashtra, two states that share history, traditions, and devotion to Lord Ganesha. Such moments of festive unity reinforce the bonds of friendship and cooperation across regions.


During the visit, Minister Khaunte offered prayers to Lord Ganesha and shared wishes for prosperity, peace, and well-being. The presence of dignitaries, along with the warm hospitality of CM Fadnavis and his family, added to the significance of the occasion.


Both states celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with grandeur and devotion. In Goa, the festival is deeply rooted in family traditions, rituals, and community celebrations, while in Maharashtra, Ganpati celebrations transform into a large-scale cultural and spiritual movement.


Highlighting Goa’s focus on cultural and regenerative tourism, Minister Khaunte emphasized how festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi not only preserve traditions but also attract visitors from across India and abroad.


The meeting between Rohan Khaunte and Devendra Fadnavis during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations was more than a symbolic gesture. It represented the festive bond between two neighboring states and their shared commitment to heritage, culture, and unity.

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Entertainment

Indian Actress Sameera Reddy Celebrates Lord Ganesh Utsav at Sardesai Home in Savoi Verem


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy, known for her grounded presence and love for tradition, was seen joyfully celebrating Ganesh Utsav with her husband Akshai Varde at the Sardesai family residence in Savoi Verem. The event, held yesterday, marked the welcoming of Lord Ganesha’s Mangal-Murti into the home with great devotion and festive spirit.

The couple participated wholeheartedly in the rituals, showcasing a beautiful union of faith and festivity. Known for being spiritual and family-oriented, Sameera and Akshai were seen fully immersed in the celebrations, highlighting the enduring beauty of Indian cultural traditions even among today’s public figures.

The home was adorned with floral decorations, devotional music, and the unmistakable energy that comes with the presence of Lord Ganesha. Guests and well-wishers gathered to offer prayers, perform the aarti, and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.

This event underscores the strong cultural connection many celebrities maintain, using their platforms not only to celebrate but also to inspire. As the Mangal-Murti graced the Sardesai home, the celebration became more than just a festival — it became a moment of unity, joy, and spiritual reaffirmation.

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa


In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.

National

Telangana Govt to Provide Free Electricity for Ganesh & Durga Pandals


Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced a major relief for festival organizers by offering free electricity supply for pandals during Ganesh Navaratri and Durga Navaratri celebrations in 2025.

According to the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL), the facility will cover 11 days of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations from August 27 to September 6, 2025, and 14 days of Durga Puja celebrations from September 29 to October 12, 2025.

The government clarified that this initiative will be extended only to authorized pandals. Organizers must complete the mandatory registration process and comply with all safety norms prescribed by TGSPDCL to avail the benefit.

Officials emphasized that the move aims to encourage safe and regulated celebrations while reducing the financial burden on community groups. By ensuring adherence to safety protocols, the government also seeks to minimize electrical hazards during large gatherings.

Festival organizers across Telangana have welcomed the decision, calling it a thoughtful measure that supports cultural traditions while ensuring public safety.

With this announcement, the state reaffirms its commitment to facilitating festive spirit while prioritizing safety, regulation, and inclusivity.

Events in Goa

Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Releases Tarun Bharat’s Ganesh Aarti Book


Panaji, Goa – In a meaningful cultural event ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially released the Ganesh Aarti book published by Tarun Bharat, one of Goa’s leading regional newspapers.

The book launch ceremony was attended by notable leaders including MLA Shri Kedar Naik (@naikkedar0919), MLA Shri Sankalp Amonkar (@SankalpAmonkar), former MLA Shri Damu Naik (@DamuNaik), and Editor of Tarun Bharat, Shri Sagar Jawdekar.

The release was symbolic of Goa’s enduring spiritual roots and cultural traditions, and a timely initiative as the state prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025—one of the most celebrated festivals in the region.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the effort behind compiling devotional literature that is accessible and beautifully presented. “Such initiatives enrich our culture and bring communities together through shared traditions,” he said.

The Ganesh Aarti book includes traditional hymns, devotional songs, and prayers sung during Ganesh Chaturthi, compiled to preserve and promote Goa’s spiritual heritage.

This event is part of a larger cultural revival effort seen in Goa, where literature, art, and devotion are being celebrated with renewed enthusiasm.