Tag: Goa Culture

Goan Festivals

Chikhal Kalo 2025 Kicks Off with a Celebration of Goa’s Culture, Devotion, and Culinary Heritage

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Marcel, 5th July 2025 – The Department of Tourism, inaugurated the vibrant and deeply revered Chikhal Kalo 2025 on 5th July at the historic Shri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcela, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s timeless spiritual and cultural traditions. The festival was officially inaugurated in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Shri Govind Gaude, MLA Priol constituency; Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism; and Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC; Tabla Maestro, Shri Tulsidas Navelkar; Chairman of Shri Devki Krishna Saunsthan committee, Shri Vijay Dharwatkar along with Secretary of Shri Devki Krishna Saunsthan committee Shri Venkatesh Tamba and others.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism stated “Chikhal Kalo is a reaffirmation of who we are as Goans. It is through festivals like these that we honour our spiritual roots, promote community bonding, and create authentic experiences for visitors. Goa is about the spirit of its people, its culture, its values. Through this festival, we continue our commitment to Regenerative Tourism by bringing the spotlight to our traditions, our hinterlands, and our identity. Chikhal Kalo is a reminder that tourism can be both transformative and rooted.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added “Chikhal Kalo is a testimony to the growing desire among locals and travellers alike to reconnect with traditions that are immersive, inclusive, and meaningful. We are proud to promote such festivals under the broader vision of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ We will continue to encourage experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally sensitive, and community-driven. The festival also complements our ongoing monsoon campaign, #GlowOnArrival, which showcases Goa’s tranquil beauty and soulful offerings during the rains.”

Held on the auspicious Dashami Tithi, the first day of festivities was packed with diverse cultural and devotional experiences that reflected the essence of Bhakti, tradition, and local creativity. The celebrations began with a Cooking Competition, where participants showcased an array of traditional Goan vegetarian dishes, celebrating Goa’s rich culinary heritage and its seasonal, community-based food traditions.

This was followed by “Nachu Kirtanache Rangi”, a beautiful performance that brought together devotional Kirtan recital and music to set a spiritually vibrant tone for the evening. The Vitthalvaari segment featured heartfelt Bhakti performances by acclaimed artists including Mugdha Gaonkar, Hrishikesh Sane accompanied by Aany Ghate, Utpal Sainker, Kedar Dhamaskar, and Govind Gauthankar.

The evening culminated in a soul-stirring Abhang and Bhakti Sangeet performance by renowned artist Dr. Bharat Balvalli, accompanied by a distinguished ensemble: Pandit Makrand Kundale, Prasad Karambelkar, Amar Oak, Dada Parab, and Govind Bhagat. The spiritual energy and musical brilliance enthralled attendees, uniting tourists and devotees in a shared experience of Goa’s living heritage.

The next two days of Chikhal Kalo 2025 promise to be equally engaging and spiritually uplifting. On 6th July, Ashadhi Ekadashi, the temple premises will resonate with the divine melodies of a traditional Bhajan recital, inviting all devotees and tourists to immerse themselves in sacred music and prayer. On 7th July, the final day of the festival, the much-anticipated Chikhal Kalo ritual will unfold—a joyful and symbolic mud festival that reimagines the playful moments of Lord Krishna’s childhood. This ritual, rooted deeply in community bonding and devotion, witnesses both locals and visitors coming together to celebrate Goa’s unique cultural identity with fervour and joy.

Shri Deepak Narvekar, Dy. General Manager, GTDC, proposed the vote of thanks.

The Department of Tourism warmly invites everyone to witness and partake in the remaining days of this rare and meaningful celebration. As Goa continues to promote tourism that is regenerative, inclusive, and rooted in tradition, Chikhal Kalo stands as a glowing example of how festivals can become a movement of cultural revival and collective pride.

Entry on all days is free.

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Goa Unveils ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’ to Promote Spiritual Tourism

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Panaji, June 2025 — In a significant move to diversify its tourism offerings beyond sun, sand, and sea, the Government of Goa has announced a new spiritual tourism initiative titled ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’. The program will spotlight 11 revered temples across the state, crafting a well-curated pilgrimage circuit for visitors seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion.

Reclaiming Goa’s Spiritual Legacy

While Goa is internationally known for its beaches and nightlife, its ancient temples and rich spiritual heritage have long remained underexplored by mainstream tourists. The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—literally meaning “Pilgrimage of Eleven Sacred Sites”—aims to change that.

The yatra will include stops at 11 iconic temples, representing various deities and regions of Goa. These sacred sites will offer a glimpse into the state’s syncretic history, traditional rituals, temple architecture, and the living culture of devotion practiced by Goans for generations.

“We want to highlight Goa’s lesser-known spiritual richness,” said Tourism Director Kedar Naik, who shared details of the initiative following a strategic meeting held with representatives of the identified temples earlier this week.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The Goa Tourism Department plans to integrate the circuit with guided tours, devotional music experiences, temple festivals, and local food trails, allowing tourists to engage not only with places of worship but with the broader cultural ecosystem that surrounds them.

Key features under development include:

  • Temple route mapping with historical and mythological context
  • Eco-friendly transport options for pilgrims
  • Spiritual wellness add-ons such as yoga and Ayurveda sessions
  • Souvenir and prasadam kiosks at each site
  • Enhanced infrastructure and accessibility at key temples

Tourism officials also indicated that the yatra will be promoted on both domestic and international platforms, positioning Goa as a holistic destination for the spiritually inclined traveler.

Temples Included in the Yatra

While the final list of temples is yet to be officially released, the circuit is expected to include renowned pilgrimage sites such as:

  • Shri Mangeshi Temple (Priol)
  • Shri Shantadurga Temple (Kavale)
  • Shri Mahadev Temple (Tambdi Surla)
  • Shri Mahalasa Temple (Mardol)
  • Shri Nageshi Temple (Ponda)
    …and others known for their religious and architectural significance.

Promoting Sustainable & Cultural Tourism

The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra is part of Goa’s broader strategy to decentralize tourism and encourage sustainable, culturally rooted travel. By spotlighting spiritual heritage, the state hopes to attract tourists seeking meaningful and reflective journeys, particularly in the post-pandemic era where wellness and mindfulness tourism are on the rise.

Social

All India Konkani Parishad to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 1 in Margao

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The All India Konkani Parishad (AIKP), a leading cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Konkani language and heritage, will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 1, 2025. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM and will take place at Konkani Bhasha Mandal, located in Vidyanagar, Margao.

This important gathering will serve as a platform to review the organization’s progress over the past year. The AGM agenda includes the presentation of last year’s activities and financial accounts, providing members with insights into AIKP’s initiatives and fiscal discipline. The meeting will also outline plans and programs scheduled for 2025-2026, marking a roadmap for the Parishad’s continued contribution to the Konkani community.

A key highlight of the meeting will be the preliminary discussions surrounding the 26th Sahitya Sammelan—a prestigious literary conclave organized by AIKP. The venue and tentative dates for this major cultural event will be deliberated upon, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark occasion in the Konkani literary calendar.

Chetan Acharya, Working President of the All India Konkani Parishad, has issued a heartfelt appeal to all members to participate in the AGM. “Your active involvement is crucial for shaping the direction of the Parishad and for preserving the vibrancy of our Konkani heritage,” he said.

Members of AIKP, as well as those passionate about Konkani language and culture, are encouraged to attend the meeting and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of the organization and its initiatives.

Events in Goa

The Department of Tourism Announces the New Carnaval Song 2025

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*Panjim, 25th February 2025* – The excitement for the 2025 Carnaval in Goa reached new heights as King Momo, accompanied by Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, Shri Dhiraj Wagle, Deputy Director, South, Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, GTDC, and Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director, unveiled this year’s Carnaval song at a lively event at the Department of Tourism.

This year’s Carnaval promises to be bigger, brighter, and more engaging than ever before. While the Porvorim Carnaval Committee decided not to hold celebrations along the traditional route due to ongoing construction for the flyover, the community is encouraged to join in the festivities across other locations.

The new King Momo, Mr. Cleeven Mathew Fernandes will lead the grand parade, immersing the crowd in the infectious spirit of the Carnaval. This year’s event is expected to bring together locals and visitors to celebrate Goa’s vibrant music, dance, and rich cultural traditions. The Carnaval song titled ‘Viva Carnaval’ composed by Shine On Band will set the tone for the festivities, uniting people and evoking the true essence of togetherness that defines the spirit of Goa.

King Momo delivered an inspiring message to the people of Goa, emphasizing the importance of unity. “Always maintain peace and unity in Goa,” he said, encouraging everyone to come together to make this year’s Carnaval unforgettable.

*Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism* expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Goa’s Carnaval is a testament to our rich heritage, vibrant culture, and the spirit of inclusivity that binds us together. As we welcome tourists from around the world, let us ensure that this grand celebration remains a symbol of unity, joy, and responsible tourism. Viva Carnaval!”

In terms of safety and crowd management, event organizers, in collaboration with Goa Police, emergency services, and security personnel, have laid out a comprehensive plan. Traffic management will be well-coordinated, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees. Visitors are advised to cooperate with authorities for a hassle-free experience.

The route for the parade will remain the same as previous years, with the flag off from the new Patto bridge till campal grounds. The officer-in-charge of the ongoing construction project on MG road, has assured that the construction work will be completed by the 26th of February, ensuring that everything is ready for the grand celebration.

We invite locals, tourists, and the community to join the Carnaval and celebrate the music, dance, and tradition that make this event truly special. Let’s come together and create an unforgettable experience for all!

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Immerse yourself in the spirit of 63rd Goa Liberation Day at Aguad Port and Jail Complex; No Entry Fees for Goans

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On the occasion of 63rd Goa Liberation Day, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim has thrown its doors open for all Goans to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Liberation Day. Goan residents will not be charged for the entry to the complex free of cost, on furnishing of any government certified identification. 

As a cultural and historical destination, the Aguad offers visitors a chance to walk down memory lane and relive some of the experiences of the heroes of Goa’s past. From the jail cells that have been converted into a digital interactive museum, one is dedicated to Goa’s freedom struggle and narrates the stories of Goa’s freedom fighters. A dedicated wall within the complex proudly displays the names of the countless unsung heroes of Goa’s liberation struggle. The site also features statues of prominent figures like TB Cunha, Father of Goan nationalism and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, a venerable freedom fighter and socialist ideologue, further cementing its significance as a historical landmark.

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Time: 10 am onwards

Venue: Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinqueirim.