Tag: Goa Culture

Events in Goa

MOG Celebrates 10 Years with Landmark ‘Festivals of Goa’ Exhibition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Museum of Goa (MOG) is commemorating a decade of creativity, innovation, and cultural dialogue with Festivals of Goa, a landmark exhibition that runs from November 9, 2025, to January 18, 2026, at its Pilerne campus. Featuring over 100 artists and more than a hundred works, this ambitious exhibition provides a unique lens through which visitors can explore Goa’s rich cultural fabric, evolving identity, and abundant diversity.

Curated under four simultaneous shows within the broad theme of Festivals of Goa, the exhibition examines shared histories, interfaith practices, and the ways in which traditions have adapted to modernity. Visitors can experience Goa’s festivals not just as cultural spectacles, but as vibrant spaces of memory, identity, and community expression. Sharada Kerkar, Director of MOG, emphasizes that the exhibition aims to reveal both widely celebrated and lesser-known festivals, offering insight into over 30 different festivities across the state.

The exhibition features works by noted Goan artists including Ramdas Gadekar, Viraj Naik, Chaitali Morajkar, Harshada Kerkar, Siddesh Chari, Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal, Verodina Ferrao De Sousa, Asavari Gurav, Daniel D’Souza, and Nalini Elvino de Sousa, among others. Through photography, collaborative installations, multimedia artworks, and a children’s art show, Festivals of Goa reflects on the power of art to bridge communities and transform society. Subodh Kerkar, founder of MOG, underscores that the museum’s mission is to democratize contemporary art and create a space where the diverse voices of Goa can be heard freely.

The exhibition is divided into distinct sections to illuminate different aspects of Goan festivities. Where We Gather presents collaborative community projects, including a Narakasur, a crochet Christmas tree, and a giant Matoli, emphasizing the unifying power of community-based art practices. Festivals as Playgrounds, a children’s art exhibition curated by the museum’s Children’s Art Studio, explores creativity, community, and celebration from the perspective of young artists. Side by Side, curated by MOG, examines artistic responses to known and lesser-known festivals, offering insights into Goan society. Finally, The Seen/Unseen photo exhibition, curated by Prashant Panjiar, Indrajit Khambe, and Sharada Kerkar, reveals the labor, anticipation, and devotion behind the celebrations, offering a nuanced view beyond the spectacle.

The preview night set the tone for this landmark exhibition, featuring performances by celebrated Goan singer Sonia Shirsat and local band Roz Angon. Nilankur Das, Collaborations and Engagements Lead for MOG, reflected on the museum’s journey, noting that what began as a dream has grown into a dynamic space where artists, thinkers, students, and visitors intersect to engage with Goa’s histories, contradictions, and celebrations.

Since its establishment in 2015, MOG has emerged as a vibrant platform for artistic expression, collaborating with over 500 artists globally and hosting more than 600 exhibitions and events. The museum welcomes around 70,000 visitors annually, including 12,000 students from Goan schools, fostering a deep connection between contemporary art and the local community.

Festivals of Goa is open to visitors from November 9, 2025, to January 18, 2026, offering a once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience the state’s cultural richness, artistic diversity, and communal spirit at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne.

Events in Goa

Candlelight Makes History: India’s First-Ever Fort Concert Series Debuts at Goa’s 17th-Century Aguada Complex

Tanisha Cardozo

The Candlelight Concert Series by Live Your City is about to redefine India’s live music landscape with a historic debut at Goa’s legendary Aguada Port & Jail Complex. For the first time, this 17th-century Portuguese fortress—standing sentinel over the Arabian Sea for more than four centuries—will transform into a luminous stage for an extraordinary musical experience. On November 8, 2025, the ancient bastions of Fort Aguada will glow under thousands of candles, merging history and harmony in an atmosphere that promises to be nothing short of magical.

As twilight descends over the Goan coastline, audiences will be welcomed into the fortress for two back-to-back performances. The evening opens with Candlelight Goa: Queen vs. ABBA at 6:30 p.m., where the anthemic energy of rock legends Queen meets the timeless pop perfection of ABBA. This will be followed by Candlelight Goa: A Tribute to A.R. Rahman at 8:30 p.m., celebrating India’s most beloved musical genius whose compositions have become the heartbeat of a generation. Each performance lasts 60 minutes and is designed to immerse audiences in sound, light, and emotion against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of India’s most storied fortresses.

The Fort Aguada complex, with its weathered laterite walls, ocean-facing bastions, and historic jail chambers, provides an acoustic and visual setting unlike any concert venue in the country. The natural resonance of its chambers enhances the music’s intimacy, while the flicker of candlelight creates a mesmerizing dialogue between history and artistry. Seating is limited to ensure every attendee experiences the grandeur up close and personal, making it one of the most exclusive live events ever hosted in Goa.

This debut marks a milestone not only for Candlelight but also for Goa’s cultural and tourism landscape. It positions the state as a destination for immersive heritage-based experiences that blend the old and the new. The event exemplifies how music can transcend time and architecture, turning historical spaces into living, breathing stages of artistic expression.

With tickets starting from ₹1,399, the Candlelight Goa Fort Concert Series is more than an evening of music—it’s an invitation to witness history illuminated.

International

Capt. Venzy Viegas Inspires Goans Abroad at World Goa Day 2025 in Kuwait

Tanisha Cardozo

The vibrant Goan community in Kuwait came together in a spirit of unity and pride to celebrate World Goa Day 2025, hosted by the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait. The event showcased Goa’s timeless traditions, music, and cultural diversity, while bringing together Goans from across the region under one banner of shared identity.

Among the special guests was AAP MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, whose presence added significance to the occasion. During his visit, Capt. Viegas, along with Mr. Carmo Santos, President of the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Sanjay Muluka, Charge d’ Affairs and Officiating Ambassador at the Embassy of India in Kuwait. The discussion highlighted the invaluable role of the Goan diaspora in preserving Goa’s heritage, promoting its culture, and contributing to the state’s development from abroad.

Addressing a large gathering of Goans, Capt. Venzy Viegas expressed heartfelt admiration for their unwavering connection to their homeland. He said, “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Goans abroad. I request all Goans in Kuwait and across the world — let’s together preserve Goa’s Asmutai and build a Goa of our dreams for our Fudle Pilge Khatir (future generations).”

He lauded the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait for its efforts in keeping the spirit of Goa alive among the diaspora and for uniting Goans on one platform. The event reflected the powerful sense of belonging and pride that binds Goans across borders — a testament to their enduring love for Goa and its cultural essence.

Capt. Viegas also thanked the Goan community in Kuwait for their warmth, hospitality, and dedication to nurturing Goan culture, despite being miles away from their homeland. His message of “One Goa, One People” resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the collective spirit that defines Goans worldwide.

World Goa Day 2025 in Kuwait not only celebrated the state’s rich cultural heritage but also strengthened the bonds of community and identity that make Goa truly special — wherever Goans may be.

Books & Literature

Madhav Borkar to Preside Over 26th All India Konkani Literature Conference in Kerala

Tanisha Cardozo

Senior Konkani poet Madhav Borkar, also known as Veni Madhav Sridhar Sinai Borkar, has been named President of the 26th All India Literature Conference (Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Sammelan), organized by the All India Konkani Parishad. This prestigious literary gathering will be held on November 22 and 23 at the AJ Hall in Ernakulam, Kerala. The decision to appoint Borkar was taken at the recent general meeting of the Parishad.

Madhav Borkar is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Konkani literature. A poet of great depth and lyrical grace, his body of work includes acclaimed collections such as Chanwar, Vatache Savllyo, Ujvadacho Rukh, Parjalache Dar, Yaman, Avyaktachi Gaanni, Symphony, Mallbaache Janel, and Sukrut Fulam. His poetry is celebrated for its emotional intensity, philosophical insight, and connection to Konkani cultural roots.

Beyond his own writing, Borkar has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Konkani literature. He has authored biographical works on renowned Konkani writers Pandurang Bhangui and Manohar Rai Sardesai, and translated Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry into Konkani, enriching the language’s literary heritage. His work Yaman earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, and he has also received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award. Other accolades include the Konkani Bhasha Mandal award, T. M. A. Pai award, Vimla Pai Award of the World Konkani Centre, the Goa State Cultural Award, and recognition from the Goa Konkani Akademi.

Borkar’s role as a mentor to young poets and writers has been a defining aspect of his career. His dedication to nurturing talent and expanding the reach of Konkani literature continues to inspire a new generation of literary voices. He has also held the post of station director at All India Radio and previously served as president of the Goa Konkani Akademi.

The upcoming literary conference in Ernakulam is being organized with the joint efforts of Konkani organizations in Kerala. Delegates from across the country are expected to participate, and registrations have already begun. While accommodation and meals will be provided for two nights, travel expenses will need to be covered by the attendees.

The selection of Madhav Borkar as the president of the 26th Sahitya Sammelan is a recognition of his enduring contributions to the literary world and a celebration of Konkani language and culture on a national platform.

Travel

Stakeholders Unite, Stories Shine: Goa Tourism Wraps Up Month-Long World Tourism Day Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 29th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, successfully concluded a month-long celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, culminating in the World Tourism Day Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival at ESG, Panaji. This curated film showcase brought together diverse voices and visual stories reflecting Goa’s cultural depth, coastal and hinterland experiences, and the state’s shift towards responsible and inclusive tourism.

The grand finale at ESG featured a line-up of compelling short films including Postcards from Goa, Islands on Island, Sashticho Koddo, Bread and Belonging, Kharvan, The Birdman of Chorao, Caazu, I Am Nothing, Sadabahar, Conversations on Oviyos, Written in Corners, Petroglyphs and Manohar Rai Sardesai. Thoughtful interactions with filmmakers such as Vince Costa, Sonia Filinto, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Elsa de Souza, Ronak Kamat and Shaistah Thapar added depth to the festival, which resonated with students, influencers, and tourism professionals alike.

The month-long festivities reflected a dynamic model of tourism that reaches beyond traditional beach destinations. The Department of Tourism organised over a dozen experiential activities that highlighted Goa’s regenerative and community-centric tourism model. These included forest walks in bioluminescent zones, kayaking expeditions, river cruises, coconut farming, bread-making experiences in rural villages, cycling tours through Chorao Island, and heritage walks at Aguad and Monte Santo. These experiences offered visitors a unique look into Goa’s natural assets and living traditions while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

The celebrations also served as a platform for learning and collaboration. On 27th September, Goa hosted its largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at the Grand Hyatt, bringing together hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, government bodies, industry experts, and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to discuss the future of Goa’s tourism sector. Topics included sustainable growth strategies, youth engagement, and tapping into emerging global markets.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasised that Goa’s tourism story is no longer just about leisure—it is now about learning, responsibility, and contributing to places and communities. He praised the active involvement of students, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs, noting that Goa’s inclusive tourism model sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a regenerative tourism economy that preserves culture, nurtures nature, and benefits all stakeholders.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik reiterated the campaign’s core message of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” stressing the need to involve and uplift local communities, especially women and youth. The department’s vision for tourism in Goa is to combine innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—empowering those who form the backbone of the tourism industry while curating authentic visitor experiences.

With enthusiastic support from students, filmmakers, homestay owners, content creators, NGOs, and industry professionals, the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations served as a vibrant reminder of Goa’s evolving identity as a hub of responsible, community-based tourism. As Goa sets its sights on becoming a year-round tourism destination rooted in regenerative values, the success of this initiative reflects a collective commitment to telling better stories, building better systems, and welcoming the world with purpose.