Tag: Goa Art and Culture

Events in Goa

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Goan Personalities

Goa’s Directorate of Art and Culture to Premiere ‘Ulgulan’ — A Tribute to Tribal Icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, will soon premiere ‘Ulgulan’, a one-hour film dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter from Jharkhand. The production marks the conclusion of a year-long national celebration commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, observed across the country by the Government of India.

At just 18 years old, Birsa Munda founded his own faith, Birsayat, and went on to lead a powerful movement against British rule. Though he lived only 25 years, his leadership and courage inspired countless others to rise in defense of their rights and land. His rallying cry of “Jal, Jangal, aur Zameen” — meaning Water, Forest, and Land — remains an enduring symbol of tribal identity, self-determination, and resistance to oppression.

Directed by Sainath Parab, ‘Ulgulan’ has been produced by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, as a cinematic homage to the indomitable spirit of Birsa Munda. The film also features a guest appearance by Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Goa, whose participation underscores the government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.

Through evocative storytelling and powerful performances, ‘Ulgulan’ captures the essence of Birsa Munda’s life — his vision of unity, resilience, and justice for his people. The film stands not only as a tribute to a national hero but also as a reminder of the ongoing importance of safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities and honoring their contributions to India’s freedom and identity.