Tag: Goa Awards

Events in Goa

Parikrama Announces Annual Awards for Parikrama 0.8

Tanisha Cardozo

Parikrama, Goa’s flagship youth knowledge and cultural platform curated by Knowledge Terminus, has announced its annual awards to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to education, culture, and the Konkani movement.

For the 2026 edition, Parikrama will confer three distinguished awards during the opening ceremony of Parikrama 0.8, scheduled on February 7, 2026, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

The 8th Dr. Madhavi Sardesai Puraskar will be presented to Mr. Vishwapratap Pawar, a faculty member at Carmel Women’s College, in recognition of her dedicated service in academics and youth mentorship.

The 3rd Eknath Naik Maandkar Puraskar will be conferred on Mr. Chetan Khedekar, a folk expert and State Youth Award winner, for his remarkable contribution towards preserving and promoting Goan folk traditions.

The 2nd Nityanand Naik Sanghtak Puraskar will be awarded to Mr. Prashant Kamath, a senior Konkani karyakarta, for his lifelong commitment to strengthening the Konkani language and cultural movement.

Each award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000, along with a maanpatra and memento.

Through these awards, Parikrama continues its tradition of recognising grassroots changemakers and cultural torchbearers who inspire young minds and contribute meaningfully to Goa’s intellectual and cultural ecosystem.

Parikrama 0.8 will be held on February 7 and 8, 2026, featuring two days of performances and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Travel

Goa Crowned ‘Best Romantic Destination’ at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa has been conferred with the Winner – Best Romantic Destination at the prestigious Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025, further reaffirming its position as one of India’s most admired and loved travel destinations. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on December 16, 2025. The honour on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, was received by Ms. Swati Prabhu Shastri, currently serving at Goa Sadan on deputation from the Education Department.

This recognition highlights Goa’s timeless appeal, from its scenic coastline and intimate hospitality experiences to its vibrant cultural fabric and seamless balance of luxury with laid-back charm. Over the years, Goa has evolved beyond its beach identity, offering meaningful experiences rooted in heritage, wellness, hinterland exploration, and responsible tourism, making it a preferred destination for couples and travellers alike.

Reacting to the recognition, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte described the award as a proud moment for the state, noting that Goa offers far more than picturesque landscapes. He emphasised that the essence of romance in Goa lies in its culture, warmth, authenticity, and strong sense of place, while reiterating the government’s commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also welcomed the honour, stating that the recognition reflects the consistent efforts of the Department of Tourism, industry stakeholders, and local communities. He highlighted how curated experiences such as heritage stays, wellness retreats, immersive cultural encounters, and responsible tourism initiatives continue to strengthen Goa’s identity while keeping pace with evolving traveller expectations.

Now in its 14th year, the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is a marquee celebration recognising excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This accolade reinforces Goa’s positioning as a destination that effortlessly blends celebration with serenity, luxury with simplicity, and romance with sustainability. The Department of Tourism expressed its gratitude to Travel + Leisure India, industry partners, and travellers for their continued trust and support, viewing the award as a strong endorsement of Goa’s vision for experience-led, responsible, and regenerative tourism.