Tag: Goa Culture

National

Invitation Extended to PM Modi for 550th Anniversary of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partgali Jivottam Math

Tanisha Cardozo

A delegation from Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partgali Jivottam Math, Canacona, had the honour of calling on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi to formally extend a warm invitation to the Math’s upcoming 550th Anniversary celebrations.

The delegation included Shri Shrinivas Dempo, President, and Shri R.R. Kamath, Vice President of the Math, who were proud to represent this ancient institution rooted in the Dvaita Vedanta tradition of Jagadguru Madhvacharya. The Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partgali Jivottam Math, established in the 13th century, has been a vital pillar of spiritual guidance, cultural preservation, and community service for centuries in Goa and beyond.

The 550th Anniversary marks a significant milestone not just in the history of the Math, but in the broader spiritual and cultural narrative of India. The Math continues to play a critical role in upholding the values and teachings of the Dvaita school of thought, and its anniversary celebrations are poised to attract devotees, scholars, and well-wishers from across the country.

The meeting with Prime Minister Modi was a moment of pride and gratitude. The Prime Minister was gracious in receiving the invitation and expressed his encouragement and support for the historic occasion. His blessings and recognition of the Math’s contribution to India’s spiritual and cultural legacy were deeply appreciated by the delegation.

This engagement further strengthens the commitment to celebrate the rich heritage of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partgali Jivottam Math on a national platform and ensure that the 550th Anniversary becomes a momentous and memorable event in the spiritual calendar of the nation.

Events in Goa

‘Cantaram for the Community’ Revives Goa’s Musical Heritage for Students of 17 Schools

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Panaji, August 2025: Goa’s rich musical legacy resonated through classrooms-turned-concert-halls as students from 17 schools and colleges experienced ‘Cantaram for the Community,’ a cultural outreach initiative by Communicare Trust to mark its 20th anniversary. The twin events, hosted at Carmel College, Nuvem and St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, introduced a new generation to the timeless magic of Konkani cantaram.

The programme featured captivating live renditions by the musical collective Entre Nós, who performed classics like Molbailou Dou and a Claudia medley. Vinyl record collector Leaxan Freitas offered students a rare look at vintage music formats — from shellac discs to analogue gramophones — sparking awe among those who had only read about such devices in books.

Through music, stories, and interactive quizzes, the event revived the works of legendary Goan composers and singers such as C. Alvares, Frank Fernand, Chris Perry, Ophelia Cabral, and Antonette Mendes. Performances included beloved pieces like Nachom-ia Kumpasar, Sobit Amchem Goem, and Bencdaita Pai, reintroducing students to melodies that once defined Goa’s soundscape.

Dr. Glenis Mendonca of Carmel College highlighted the event’s camaraderie and engagement, noting how students even danced to the tunes. Student Sofia Haokip described the joy of seeing a gramophone and vinyl in action for the first time.

Manager at Communicare Trust, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, explained that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between generations, showing how music technology evolved while celebrating Goa’s cultural roots. Supported by the Maria Crescencia Menezes Memorial Educational Trust, ‘Cantaram for the Community’ continues the Trust’s mission of preserving and promoting Goan culture for future generations.

Goan Festivals

Vasco’s Iconic Saptah of Shree Damodar Kicks Off with Devotion, Unity & Festivity

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Vasco, Goa | July 29, 2025: The much-awaited Saptah of Shree Damodar, one of the most revered and inclusive festivals in Goa, commenced today in Vasco. Celebrated with deep devotion and grandeur, the festival begins the day after Nag Panchami and draws thousands of devotees across religious and social lines.

The temple premises of Lord Damodar witnessed visits from political leaders, business personalities, and locals, all uniting in faith to offer prayers and perform age-old rituals. The sound of bhajans, the aroma of incense, and the bustle of enthusiastic devotees painted a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

What makes this festival unique is its inclusive nature — people from various religious communities come together to participate, symbolizing Goa’s longstanding culture of unity in diversity.

The traditional Saptah fair is also a major attraction. Stretching across lanes near the temple, the fair features local vendors selling everything from accessories and sweets to household items, creating a festive, market-like buzz.

Speaking to locals, many expressed how this celebration is not just a religious ritual but a heartfelt cultural event, deeply embedded in Vasco’s identity. Elderly residents recalled decades-old memories, while children marvelled at the lights, sounds, and vibrant stalls.

As Saptah unfolds in the coming days, the city of Vasco is once again reminded of the strength of tradition, the power of unity, and the beauty of celebration.

📍 For more local stories and cultural updates, visit allycaral.com
— By AllyCaral Culture Desk

Spotlight

Get to Know Vaibhav Salgaonkar, the Illustrator Bringing Goa to Life

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In the narrow lanes of Goa, amidst heritage homes and busy chai stalls, a sketchbook is quietly capturing the rhythm of life—page by page. Behind it is Vaibhav Salgaonkar, a self-taught illustrator, caricaturist, and urban sketcher, better known as Artbybu.

A Journey Beyond the Conventional

While many artists follow traditional art school paths, Vaibhav’s story begins in science labs. A graduate of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, and a Master’s in Biotechnology from Goa University, he always had a pen in hand—even during lectures. Those early doodles soon became award-winning entries at art competitions.

His defining moment arrived with the Inktober challenge, where he committed to a month of daily sketching in black and white. The challenge sharpened his eye for detail and his unique caricature style, later evolving into his signature brand: Artbybu.

Sketching for a Cause

Vaibhav gained attention during the 2020 Mollem movement, when his illustrations became visual protest tools, raising awareness about Goa’s threatened forests. This phase marked a powerful shift from decorative to purposeful art.

From there, his illustrations began chronicling Goan life—its unique homes, daily scenes, and quiet stories. His art soon found a home in pop-up markets, gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Urban Sketching and the Joy of Connection

Joining Urban Sketchers Goa in 2023 opened up new chapters. Vaibhav began sketching live in public spaces—cafés, bus stands, old verandas—capturing life as it unfolded. His urban sketches brim with intimacy: chaiwalas, fish markets, street dogs, and old Portuguese buildings.

He often gifts portraits to strangers he draws—a small act that turns passersby into smiling participants in his journey.

Creative Recharge and Projects Ahead

Though Vaibhav juggles freelance projects, he sees urban sketching as a creative reset. Currently, he’s working on a deeply personal zine on Goa’s iconic Oyster Shell Windows, blending architectural sketches with cultural commentary.

Looking ahead, he hopes to explore animation, mixed media, and eventually host a solo exhibition to celebrate Goa’s layered identity.

A Message to Aspiring Artists

“Start by putting your work out there—even if it’s imperfect. Don’t wait to be ‘ready.’ Rejections will happen—learn from them. Visit exhibitions. Connect. Collaborate. But above all—draw a lot. And keep your humor alive—it’s what makes your style truly yours.”

Through laughter, lines, and ink, Vaibhav Salgaonkar is building a vivid visual archive of Goa—one that celebrates its people, places, and everyday beauty with soul and sketch.

Books & Literature

Hema Sardessai Inaugurates “Monsoon Expression” – A Cultural Extravaganza in Panaji

allycaralgoa

The soulful spirit of Goa was on full display as the celebrated singer Smt. Hema Sardessai inaugurated the Monsoon Expression program at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji. This vibrant cultural initiative, organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture, aims to celebrate the essence of Goa’s artistic traditions during the monsoon season.

The program brings together diverse artistic expressions including music, theatre, dance, folk art, literature, and visual arts, culminating in a striking painting exhibition by local talents.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Shri Sagun Velip, Director of Art and Culture, and Shri Milind Mate, Deputy Director, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Hema Sardessai applauded the Department for its sustained efforts in nurturing Goan heritage and creating platforms for emerging artists. The event was met with enthusiastic participation and appreciation from attendees across the cultural spectrum.

Monsoon Expression is not just a program—it is a movement to reinforce Goa’s vibrant artistic roots and create meaningful engagement between artists and audiences.

With its inspiring blend of performances and exhibitions, the event is set to run through the monsoon, turning rainy days into moments of artistic celebration.