Tag: Goa Events

Events in Goa

Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov and UK’s Ellie Garrett Triumph at IRONMAN 70.3 Goa 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, India began in breathtaking fashion as the sun rose over Miramar Beach, with the Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially flagging off the event. Alongside him were Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Deepak Raj, Race Director, Saiyami Kher, Actress and Race Ambassador, and Neil D’Silva, Event Director. The event saw more than 1,300 triathletes from 31 countries dive into the Arabian Sea to begin their quest for one of the most challenging and scenic endurance races in Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s title with a time of 4:25:47, while the United Kingdom’s Ellie Garrett claimed the women’s crown, finishing in 5:18:43. The Indian Air Force contingent dominated the relay category, sweeping all three podium positions.

The triathlon tested participants through a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg, and a 21.1 km run, winding through Goa’s heritage-lined streets and coastal beauty. Thousands of spectators lined the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captured the energy and inclusivity of the IRONMAN spirit.

In a memorable highlight, women’s champion Ellie Garrett competed alongside her husband, Tom Garrett, who finished eighth overall. The couple, veterans of more than 30 half and 10 full-distance IRONMAN races, praised Goa’s course and community for its warmth and enthusiasm. Ellie described the race as “the hardest 70.3 I’ve ever done, but also the most stunning,” while Tom said, “The people, the place, the food, the weather — everything’s exceeded our expectations.”

Adding to the weekend’s excitement, Olympian swimmer-turned-coach Sandeep Sejwal and his colleagues from the Inspire Institute of Sport participated in the relay event, while political leaders Tejasvi Surya and K. Annamalai completed the triathlon, joining the ranks of Indian IRONMAN finishers.

The spirit of sportsmanship extended beyond the main event, with over 900 children participating in the Policybazaar IRONKIDS race, representing the promise of India’s next generation of athletes.

With participants from 62 countries across five editions, IRONMAN 70.3 Goa continues to strengthen Goa’s global identity as a hub for wellness, endurance, and world-class sporting excellence.

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.

Social

JCI Ponda Unveils Second Edition of START Magazine in the Presence of Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

It was a proud moment for JCI Ponda as the organization inaugurated the second edition of its flagship magazine START – Stories That Amplify Real Transformation on 2nd November 2025. The event took place in the presence of Hon. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who unveiled the new edition, commending the efforts of JCI Ponda for its continued contribution to community development and leadership building in Goa.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests including JFD Shaba Gauns (Zone President), JFD Chetan Salelkar (Zone Director – Business), JFM Vadiraj Inamdar (LO President), JFM Muskan Naik (Secretary), JC Akash Mangueshkar (Immediate Past President), JC HGF Janhavi Naik (Past President), and JC HGF Amey Tilve (Member), all of whom contributed to making the occasion memorable.

The START magazine, known for showcasing stories of leadership, innovation, and transformation, encapsulates the impactful initiatives undertaken by JCI Ponda throughout 2025. From community-driven projects to youth leadership programs, the publication serves as a reflection of the organization’s mission to inspire positive change.

Speaking on the occasion, members expressed gratitude to JFD Chetan Salelkar for his valuable guidance and contribution in making this edition and launch event a grand success.

The ceremony was marked by a spirit of pride and unity, highlighting JCI Ponda’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young leaders and fostering meaningful change within the community.

With its second edition of START, JCI Ponda continues to amplify stories that drive transformation — reaffirming its position as a beacon of leadership, service, and progress in Goa.

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

Fit & Fabulous

5-Year-Old Survi Siddhesh Chopdekar Crowned 2nd Runner-Up at Miss India Kids 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Five-year-old Survi Siddhesh Chopdekar has achieved an impressive milestone by being crowned 2nd Runner-Up at Miss India Kids 2025. The event, held on 26th October at Z Square, Panaji, brought together young talents from across India, celebrating confidence, creativity, and charm. The ceremony was graced by Bollywood celebrity Ms. Anchal Munjal, who encouraged the young participants for their enthusiasm and stage presence.

Organized by Mr. Naeem Sayed (CEO) and Mrs. Sumaiya Shaikh (MD), the event showcased India’s emerging child talents in fashion and personality development. Survi’s performance stood out for her poise, confidence, and graceful presentation, earning her a well-deserved place among the top finalists. Her achievement at such a young age highlights the promise of India’s new generation of performers and models, and it marks a proud moment for her family and Goa’s growing presence in national-level kids’ pageantry.