Panaji, August 16, 2025 – The scenic island of Divar came alive today with vibrant colours, traditional music, and community festivities as the Bonderam Festival 2025 unfolded in all its glory. Organised by St. Mathias Sports Club, Malar, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the festival drew both locals and visitors, eager to witness one of Goa’s most distinctive monsoon celebrations.
Known for its rich blend of tradition, history, and creativity, Bonderam is marked by colourful floats, traditional parades, and cultural performances. While the main Divar Bonderam is held in the last week of August, Malar uniquely kicks off the celebrations a week earlier, setting the festive mood.
This year’s programme emphasised inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring everyone could participate. Dignitaries including Cumbarjua MLA Shri Rajesh Faldessai, renowned Goan singer Smt. Hema Sardessai, and Parish Priest Fr. Joao Coelho graced the occasion.
The day featured a vibrant line-up — Bonderachem GEDTalks and Bonderancho Uzvaad with engaging talks and folk performances; Bonderachem Jevonn, showcasing traditional Goan food; the symbolic Flag Parade and Heritage Walk (Bonderachi Pássoi); and the grand Bonderachi Parade with floats, flags, and costumes. Festivities ended on a high note with a musical evening featuring live bands and DJs at the Malar Flagpost.
Speaking at the festival, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, said: “Bonderam is a vivid celebration of Goa’s heritage, blending colours, music, and unity. Through our Goa Beyond Beaches and regenerative tourism initiatives, we aim to preserve and promote these traditions for future generations.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added: “The Department of Tourism is committed to creating experiences that go beyond beaches. Festivals like Bonderam highlight Goa’s cultural diversity and strengthen its appeal as a meaningful travel destination.”
The Department of Tourism continues to position Goa’s cultural calendar on domestic and international platforms, ensuring that events like Bonderam remain iconic attractions for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
Panaji, Goa – August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.
Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).
The festival’s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.
Celebrating Young Talent – 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners
Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:
Best Film (First Prize):Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
Best Film (Second Prize):Before Sunrise
Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)
Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.
Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community
Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goa’s creative spirit.
📍 Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa 📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025 🎟️ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers
Socorro, 21st June 2025 – The Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation organized the 11th International Yoga Day in a grand and spirited manner at the Socorro Panchayat Hall, where over 150 participants gathered in a collective embrace of wellness, mindfulness, and community harmony. The celebrations reflected the State’s growing emphasis on integrating yoga and holistic health into its tourism narrative.
The celebrations were graced by the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, who emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and positioning Goa as a wellness destination. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Socorro Sarpanch Smt. Soniya Pednekar, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, and Zilla Panchayat Member Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik was also in attendance, along with members of the Socorro Panchayat and officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC. The inaugural function was compared by Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Yoga aligns with the core values of Goa’s Regenerative Tourism model—restoring balance, enhancing well-being, and empowering communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only celebrating India’s rich heritage but also encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace holistic living in Goa’s serene natural surroundings.”
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik added,“Yoga Day is a reminder that wellness and tourism can go hand in hand. Goa is uniquely positioned to offer mindful, rejuvenating experiences, and we are actively working to create avenues that support year-round wellness-based tourism rooted in local culture and sustainability.”
The event featured a guided yoga session conducted by Mr. Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a Yoga Instructor and Evaluator certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, and Mrs. Pooja Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a certified yoga teacher, drawing participation from diverse age groups and communities. As part of the program, attendees were encouraged to adopt yoga as a daily practice to enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
As part of its broader vision, Goa has been actively promoting wellness and spiritual tourism. The State is promoting a slower, more conscious form of travel that nurtures both people and the planet. Initiatives such as the celebration of Yoga Day are a reflection of Goa’s aspiration as India’s premier wellness destination.
The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with local panchayats and stakeholders, continues to promote wellness-based experiences across Goa, reflecting the State’s commitment to building a healthier society and fostering mindful, sustainable tourism practices.
Panjim, Goa – 24th May 2025 The Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, music, food and cultural unity as it hosted the first-ever Marius Fernandes Day, an event that will go down as a landmark moment in Goa’s cultural calendar. This groundbreaking celebration was held in conjunction with the Purumentachem Fest – Goa’s traditional Festival of Provisions – marking the onset of the monsoon season with flavor, festivity, and deep-rooted community spirit.
The historic day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, joined by Festakar Marius Fernandes, cultural supporter Maria Goretti Fernandes, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, cultural activists Dominic D’Souza and Luciano Almeida. The moment set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with innovation and celebration with heartfelt recognition.
Culture came alive on stage as the festivities opened with a captivating ponti dance by students of Goa College of Home Science with Rajwi Naik and group, bringing a splash of color and rhythm to the stage. This was followed by the unique cultural segment titled “Balcãoacheo Gozalli” – an intergenerational Goan dialogue moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and enriched by the insights of historian Prajal Shankardande and academic Dr. Glenis Mendonca. The conversation touched on topics of identity, community memory and the changing face of Goan traditions.
Honoring Festakar as a Cultural Warrior, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, in a deeply symbolic gesture, felicitated Marius Fernandes with a one-of-a-kind memento – a slate inscribed with recognition of 24th May to be observed as Festacar Marius Fernandes Day annually, for his 101 inclusive, community-driven festivals, Known for reinventing the concept of festivals by removing alcohol, chief guests, sponsors, competitions and barriers to participation, Fernandes has become synonymous with the spirit of inclusive celebration.
In an emotional highlight, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas was awarded a symbolic Doctorate of Community Service by the Goencho Festakar team. The honour recognized her selfless voluntary work across three years, contributing tirelessly to cultural research, education and community outreach. The recognition was met with a standing ovation.
A workshop was held on medicinal herbal tea, locally known as khodo, usually drunk as remedy for colds and fevers by Samita Sameer kolvalkar.
A Dazzling Cultural Programme unfolded as the afternoon unfolded, the campus echoed with music, laughter, and applause. The ever-energetic young Barretto brothers, Abner 8 years of age and Asher 6 years of age, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of Goan classics and contemporary tunes, accompanied by the soulful guitar of Dr. Glenis Mendonca, vocals by Renald Mendonca and harmonies from Linda Braganza and John Lino. It was an electrifying reminder that Goa’s youth are not only preserving tradition but reimagining it.
The symbolic anthem of Festacar Marius Fernandes Festam, the iconic Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Festacar Marius Fernandes, in Succorro, was a most awaited and the participants were the guests, vendors, disabled community, choreographed and led by Gwendolyn De Ornelas, all enjoyed and felt a sense of Goa of yesteryears.
Food, Flavors and Festive Nostalgia as No Goan celebration is complete without food and the Purumentachem Fest brought the soul of Goan kitchens to the college grounds. An array of stalls featured monsoon staples like dried fish, pickles, homemade sweets, local spices, and chillies. From sorpotel to prawns molho , the aroma of traditional dishes drew students, faculty and guests to sample and reminisce. Local artisans and vendors proudly showcased their wares, rekindling the spirit of old village markets and encouraging sustainable, local economies.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose as the celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about forging a way forward. The day stood as a model of how educational institutions can partner with grassroots cultural innovators to keep traditions alive while engaging the next generation. The festival emphasized inclusion, environmental sensitivity and local pride—principles central to Marius Fernandes’ philosophy.
As Marius Fernandes Day concluded amid cheers, hugs, and hopeful eyes, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of a new tradition. One that honours Goa’s diverse heritage, celebrates ordinary heroes and plants seeds for stronger, more connected communities.
