The rhythms of tradition and the spirit of youth came together as DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun & Shri. Chetan Manju Desai College team proudly clinched the Consolation Prize at the All Goa Ghumat Aarti Competition – Ghumat Mahasangam 4.0.
Organized by Ghumat Mogi in collaboration with Rajdeep Builders, this prestigious event brought together some of Goa’s finest cultural performers in a celebration of one of the state’s most beloved traditional art forms — Ghumat Aarti.
The team’s performance resonated with devotion, discipline, and deep-rooted cultural pride. Competing among top talents from across Goa, they stood out for their dedication and harmonious expression, earning recognition and applause.
This achievement is a testament not only to the musical talent of the students but also to the college’s commitment to preserving and promoting Goan heritage.
🎶 Congratulations to the entire team! Your hard work and passion continue to inspire and uplift Goa’s rich cultural traditions.
Margao: The concluding day of the birth centenary celebrations of K. Vaikunth (Vaikunth Kuncolienkar), Goa’s renowned cinematographer, was held at Imperial Hall, Margao, organized by Madganvcho Awaaz.
The evening witnessed heartfelt tributes from filmmakers, artistes, and citizens who celebrated the artistry, simplicity, and Goan identity of K. Vaikunth, whose cinematic legacy remains etched in Indian cinema.
Youth leader Prabhav Naik highlighted Vaikunth’s invaluable contribution to cinema and cultural identity, urging the government to confer a Padma Award posthumously. He stressed the need for national recognition of his pioneering work.
The function began with a keynote address by Dr. Babita Angle Prabhudesai, who traced the life and cinematic journey of the cinematographer. Floral tributes were offered by family members and dignitaries, followed by a felicitation of the Kunkalienkar family by Madganvcho Awaaz. Tributes were also paid to A. Vaikunth, who passed away last year.
Eminent film personalities including Dharmanand Vernekar and Prasad Shinkre shared memories, while National Award-winning filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar called upon the film fraternity to collectively demand a lifetime memorial in honor of K. Vaikunth.
The evening also saw felicitation of members of Goa’s film fraternity for their contributions, including Dr. Pramod Salgaonkar, Jyoti Kunkalienkar, Prince Jacob, Christ Silva, Dinesh Bhosale, Miransha Naik, Dnyaneshwar Govekar, Rajdeep Naik, Suchita Narvekar, Mukund Shinkre, Swapnil Shetkar, Saiesh Panandikar and others.
The nostalgic gathering concluded with cultural unity, honoring a man who carried Goa’s name across Indian cinema and reminding the fraternity of the importance of preserving his cinematic heritage.
Pilgao, Goa – Celebrating both national pride and cultural preservation, JCI Pilgao Elite marked a significant milestone on Independence Day 2025 with the launch of its first Aarti Sangrah booklet. This spiritual compilation is a tribute to Goan religious traditions and was released amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries and community leaders.
The event was held in Pilgao in the gracious presence of:
JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President, JCI Pilgao Elite
Asmita Gauns, 1st Lady of JCI Zone 11
JC Sharmila Valavalkar, Sarpanch of Pilgao
Pravin Parab, Secretary of VP Piligao
Sanjay Nanda Falkar, Writer-Director
Ashvesh Gimonkar
Deepak Prabhu Gaonkar, President of Shantadurga Temple
JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary of JCI Pilgao Elite
A special highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Aarti Sangrah booklet to Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, recognizing the community’s efforts in preserving spiritual literature and passing traditions to the next generation.
The initiative not only commemorated India’s 78th Independence Day but also highlighted the importance of cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and local leadership.
“The Aarti Sangrah is more than just a book — it’s a celebration of devotion and cultural pride,” said JC Jayesh Valavalkar.
This project marks a promising beginning for JCI Pilgao Elite’s cultural initiatives, reinforcing the organization’s mission to build better communities through service, leadership, and tradition.
Divar Island, 23rd August 2025 – The picturesque island of Divar came alive with vibrant colours, music, and festivities as thousands gathered to celebrate the 41st edition of Bonderam, Goa’s biggest monsoon festival. Organized by the Piedade Youth Association with the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and the Directorate of Art & Culture, the festival once again showcased Divar’s unique cultural traditions and youthful spirit.
The event was graced by Chief guest Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte as the Chief Guest, MLA Cumbarjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai as the Guest of Honor, MLA Curtorim, Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Fr Simao Rodrigues Parish Priest of Divar, Fr Leslie Gomes Asst Parish Priest of Divar, Sarpanch Goltim Navelim Divar, Shri Mario Pinto, Director Alcon Victor Group Varun Albuquerque and other dignitaries who joined the people of Divar in celebrating the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Bonderam is a living example of Goa’s vibrant traditions being celebrated with youthful energy. Festivals like these not only preserve our heritage but also strengthen community bonds while drawing tourists to experience Goa beyond beaches.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik added, “The enthusiasm witnessed at Bonderam reflects the true spirit of community-led celebrations. The Department of Tourism remains committed to supporting such festivals that highlight Goa’s culture, promote regenerative tourism, and give visitors a chance to engage with authentic local traditions.”
The celebrations began at dawn with the Alvorada, where a brass band marched across the island, setting the tone for the day. By the afternoon, the Traditional Flag March at Divar Center drew in large crowds, reviving the age-old spirit of unity and festivity that the event symbolizes.
Adding to the cultural charm, the All-Goa Fancy Dress Competition at Asilo Grounds delighted audiences with creativity, humour, and flair, while the much-awaited Float Parade saw the island streets transform into a spectacular canvas of colour and imagination.
As evening descended, the celebrations peaked with live entertainment featuring electrifying performances by popular acts including Junktion, 24K India, and headliner Ryan Nogar. Hosted by Ayesha Barretto and Joed Almeida, the event brought together music lovers, locals, and visitors, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
With music, dance, and revelry lasting late into the night, Bonderam 2025 once again proved why it continues to be one of Goa’s most iconic and eagerly awaited monsoon festivals.
Margao, Goa: In a heartfelt tribute to one of Goa’s cinematic greats, Madganvcho Awaaz will commemorate the birth centenary of K. Vaikunth, acclaimed cinematographer and pioneer of Indian cinema, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 4:30 PM, Imperial Hall, MCC Club, Margao.
K. Vaikunth, known for his visual mastery and artistic storytelling, is celebrated as one of Goa’s earliest and most influential figures in Indian cinema. His work not only brought national recognition to Margao but also paved the way for generations of Goan filmmakers and cinematographers.
The event will mark the culmination of the centenary year celebrations, with the Kunkalienkar family—his descendants—joining prominent members of Goa’s film fraternity to honour his extraordinary contributions.
Youth leader Prabhav Naik, speaking on behalf of Madganvcho Awaaz, shared that the programme is more than a tribute—it is a call to the youth to embrace creativity, culture, and ambition. “Through his artistic lens and unique vision, K. Vaikunth left an indelible imprint on Indian cinema,” Naik said. “His journey from Margao to the national stage reminds us that Goans have always had the potential to lead and inspire.”
Naik also emphasised the organisation’s deep pride in hosting this centenary event, reflecting on K. Vaikunth’s legacy as a significant chapter in Goa’s cultural heritage.
The event is open to all, with an open invitation extended to film lovers, youth, and cultural enthusiasts to participate in this meaningful celebration.
