Tag: Goa Culture

Travel

Aguad: Where History Lives, Breathes, and Belongs

Tanisha Cardozo

Standing tall along Goa’s coastline, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex is more than just a reminder of history—it is where the past continues to live, evolve, and engage with the present. Once a strategic Portuguese port and later a prison that confined freedom fighters, the complex has witnessed centuries of transformation, carrying stories of conquest, resistance, and resilience within its walls.

Today, Aguad has re-emerged as a dynamic public space that invites visitors not just to observe history, but to experience it. Carefully restored and thoughtfully curated, the complex now blends heritage with contemporary life, offering something for every kind of explorer—from history enthusiasts to casual visitors seeking a unique day out.

Arriving at Aguad itself can be an experience. While the road route offers scenic views, the boat ride across the Mandovi River adds a layer of anticipation. Ferries departing from Kala Academy glide across the waters, offering a serene journey that sets the tone for what awaits at the historic site.

At the heart of the complex lies the Aguad Interactive Museum, housed within the old prison cells. This space goes beyond traditional storytelling, using immersive exhibits, digital kiosks, and QR-enabled audio guides to transport visitors into Goa’s past. Divided into themes such as land, struggle, and people, the museum creates a powerful narrative of Goa’s history, especially its liberation movement, making it both educational and engaging.

For those who prefer exploring history on foot, the heritage walks offer a deeper dive into the site’s legacy. Walking through the fort reveals layers of history—from its role in defending against invaders like the Dutch and Marathas to its later use as a prison. Visitors gain access to hidden corners including a chapel, freshwater spring, old kitchens, and the stark prison cells that once held freedom fighters, making the experience both insightful and moving.

As the sun begins to set, the experience shifts from land to sea. The heritage cruise takes visitors into the calm waters of Aguada Bay and the Arabian Sea aboard a vintage-style vessel. With panoramic views of Goa’s coastline and the fort itself, the cruise offers a rare perspective—one that captures the quiet beauty and grandeur of the complex from afar.

Aguad is also redefining what it means to dine within a heritage space. From relaxed, cosy spots to more refined dining experiences, the complex offers a variety of options that cater to different moods and tastes. Whether it’s enjoying comfort food, sipping creative beverages, or indulging in a fusion of traditional and global flavours, the culinary experiences here mirror the spirit of Aguad itself—where the old meets the new seamlessly.

Weekends at Aguad bring an added vibrancy. The lively market atmosphere, with stalls showcasing local crafts and artisanal products, turns the historic setting into a space of community and creativity. Visitors can browse unique finds, interact with local artisans, and soak in the festive energy that fills the air.

The complex has also emerged as a sought-after venue for curated events. Candlelight concerts add a magical glow to the historic walls, while musical evenings and cultural performances create an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand. Art exhibitions further enrich the experience, with galleries showcasing remarkable collections that connect Goa’s heritage with broader artistic narratives.

What makes Aguad truly special is its ability to remain rooted in history while embracing the present. It is no longer just a monument to be observed, but a space to be experienced—where stories are told not just through stone walls, but through music, art, food, and shared moments.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your roots or a visitor exploring Goa for the first time, Aguad offers something rare—a place where history doesn’t feel distant, but alive, inviting, and deeply connected to the present.

Events in Goa

MOG Sunday Talk: Flex Banners, ‘Airbnb Aesthetic’ and Goa’s Disappearing Traditional Street Lettering

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji’s streetscape is undergoing a visible transformation as digital flex signages inspired by what many describe as an ‘Airbnb aesthetic’ steadily replace traditional hand-painted boards across the city and other Goan towns. The shift has resulted in streets that increasingly resemble those in mainstream urban India, with local character giving way to a standardised visual language. Alongside this aesthetic change, traditional sign painters are quietly disappearing, and with them, a long-standing craft tradition.

This evolving urban landscape formed the backdrop of a recent MOG Sunday session on Indian Street Lettering held at the Museum of Goa. Award-winning typeface designer and lettering artist Pooja Saxena used the occasion to draw attention to Goa’s street lettering as a living visual archive of its architectural and cultural history.

Saxena warned that the proliferation of digital flex signs, typically LED banner displays stretched over metal frames, is creating an ‘Airbnb aesthetic’ in which cities begin to look indistinguishable from one another. As she explained, when walking through such spaces, it becomes difficult to identify a city by its visual cues. The loss, she stressed, is not merely aesthetic but economic as well. When hand-painted signs disappear, so do the livelihoods attached to them. For Saxena, these signs should not survive only as museum exhibits; their true meaning lies in remaining functional, expressive elements within everyday public spaces.

Discussing her book project India Street Lettering: A Journey Through Typographic Craft & Culture, Saxena observed that lettering styles often reflect the historical period in which neighbourhoods developed. In Panaji, she pointed out, Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences in signage align closely with the city’s architectural heritage. Goa’s visual identity, she noted, is shaped by distinctive elements such as azulejos, woodwork and three-dimensional lettering. In conversation with Goa-based visual artist Avani Tanya, she explained how context shapes the way design elements are interpreted, while the coastal climate affects materials, making frequent repainting both necessary and a visible sign of ongoing care.

According to Saxena, street lettering extends beyond functionality; it operates as a gestural expression shaped by the human hand. Reflecting on increasing reliance on digital tools, she admitted concerns about losing touch with manual craft and handwriting. Her book focuses on letterforms created through analogue techniques, including hand painting and specialised processes, underscoring the intentionality and skill embedded in these forms.

Saxena expressed hope that her work would inspire people to look more closely at their local marketplaces and public spaces. By encouraging greater attention to everyday lettering, she believes citizens may begin to appreciate its cultural significance and advocate for its preservation. As Goa navigates the balance between modernisation and heritage, the conversation around street lettering raises broader questions about how cities can retain their identity while adapting to changing times.

Books & Literature

Launch of John Aguiar’s Konkani Poetry Collection “Thembe” on February 28 in Panaji

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA – Writer, poet and lyricist John Aguiar is set to release his latest collection of Konkani poems, titled Thembe (Drops), further strengthening his contribution to contemporary Konkani literature.
The book release ceremony will be held on February 28, 2026, at 3.30 pm at Shenai Goembab Sabhaghar, Goa Konkani Akademi (BSNL Building), 5th floor, Patto, Panaji. The book will be released at the hands of Dr Purnanand Chari, Chairman of the Konkani Akademi. Smt Aparna Garudi will speak on the book, while Shri Ramesh Ghadi, Vice Chairman of the Konkani Akademi, will attend as Guest of Honour. Poet Prakash Naik will be a special guest at the event.
The function is organised by Ugtem Molob. Shri Vivek Pissurlekar, President of Ugtem Molob, has appealed to writers, poets and literature enthusiasts to attend the function in large numbers.
John Aguiar is widely recognised for his versatility, writing across Romi and Devanagari Konkani, English and Marathi. His works are known for their deep engagement with Goan culture, social realities and the subtleties of everyday life.


A retired officer from the Government of Goa’s Department of Information and Publicity, Aguiar brings a journalist’s clarity and precision to his creative writing. Beyond literature, he is also a well-known lyricist, with several of his songs regularly aired on All India Radio.
His published works span multiple genres. His poetry collections include Paulam, Gulmohar, Sanz and Olyo Yadi, which won the 2017 Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Rock Barretto Literary Award. His essay collections include Offside (English) and Mandovichea Dege Voilean (Roman Konkani), while his dramatic works include Sonvgam, a collection of one-act plays in Roman Konkani.
One of the early milestones in his career was the publication of the booklet Jinn in 1982–83, which was released by noted writer, poet and lyricist Advocate Uday Bhembre, then President of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, at Chowgule College during Aguiar’s student days.

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.

Events in Goa

Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju Visits Ongoing Goa Book Festival 2026 in Panaji

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2026: Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju visited the ongoing Goa Book Festival 2026 being held at the D. B. Bandodkar Ground in Panaji. The festival is organised by the National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, in association with the Government of Goa, Samarth Yuva Foundation, and Lokmanya Cultural Foundation.


During his visit, the Governor interacted with organisers, publishers and visitors, and took note of the wide range of books, literary activities and reader engagement initiatives showcased at the festival. The event brings together authors, publishers, students and book lovers, creating a vibrant platform to encourage reading habits and literary exchange.

The Goa Book Festival 2026 features book exhibitions, author interactions, discussions, and cultural programmes aimed at fostering a reading culture across age groups. The festival continues to attract strong public participation, reaffirming Goa’s growing engagement with literature, education and cultural dialogue.