Tag: Goa Events

Travel

Goa Deepotsav 2025 to Illuminate the State with Festive Splendour and Cultural Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to usher in the festive season with Goa Deepotsav 2025, a spectacular celebration of Diwali that will illuminate the state with colour, music, and cultural vibrance. The festival will span two days across three lively venues — Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim on October 25, followed by Saligao Panchayat Area, Saligao, and Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, Mapusa on October 26.

The celebrations will commence on October 25 at Porvorim with an exciting line-up of family-friendly competitions and workshops including cooking contests, fugdi competitions, clay modelling, drawing activities for kids, and the much-loved Veshbhusha Spardha (Traditional Costume Contest). The evening will feature a formal function and a soulful musical performance, Sur Taal, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and other dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, ZP Smt. Kavita Naik, MLA Shri Kedar Naik, and senior officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC.

On October 26, the festivities will continue at the Saligao Panchayat Area with competitions such as Veshbhusha Spardha, Rangoli Making, and Cooking Contests, followed by a mesmerizing musical concert, Suron Kee Deepawali. The evening will also see the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Later that evening, the celebrations will move to Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground for the grand finale featuring creative contests like the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, alongside cultural showcases and a musical extravaganza, Rhythm of Lights. The event will host prominent leaders including the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, and several MLAs from surrounding constituencies.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that Deepotsav reflects the essence of Goa — a land where culture, creativity, and community come together in celebration. He emphasized the role of such festivals in strengthening Goa’s cultural fabric while promoting community-led tourism that preserves Goa’s living traditions.

Echoing his sentiments, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated that this year’s Deepotsav is designed to engage every generation through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences that capture Goa’s inclusive and participative spirit. He added that events like Deepotsav embody the vision of Goa Beyond Beaches, showcasing the state as a destination where culture and creativity shine brightly.

Through Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism continues to advance its vision of connecting people through shared experiences and cultural pride. The festival stands as a symbol of Goa’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As the state glows under the light of countless diyas and echoes with music and joy, Goa invites residents and visitors alike to join this radiant celebration of togetherness and tradition.

Social

CM Visits MOHAN Foundation’s Organ Donation Stall at Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

From October 9 to 12, 2025, the International Purple Fest transformed Panjim into a vibrant hub of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Among the many highlights was a life-changing initiative by the MOHAN Foundation, where organ donation ambassador Mr. Gabriel Pereira hosted a four-day awareness stall at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) complex.

Organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and United Nations India, Purple Fest 2025 drew participation from across the country. Within this larger event, the MOHAN Foundation’s presence offered a vital platform to educate and encourage citizens about the importance of organ donation.

Gabriel Pereira, with quiet determination and passion, managed the stall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. He distributed over 500 flyers and personally engaged with visitors, addressing common concerns and misconceptions around organ donation. His efforts bore fruit as 30 individuals pledged to become organ donors—a significant achievement during a four-day awareness campaign.

The stall gained special attention when the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, visited and interacted with the team. Accompanying him were Mr. Subhash Phal Desai, the Minister of Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives, and Archaeology, and Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, the Superintendent of Police for North Goa. Their presence underscored the state government’s support for such social impact initiatives.

Mr. Pereira also acknowledged the support and encouragement of Mr. Prakash Kamat, a senior journalist, the National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the First Sutra Foundation, and a key member of the Goa State Advisory Board on Disability. His advocacy for inclusive initiatives continues to be a driving force in the state’s social ecosystem.

The organ donation awareness campaign at Purple Fest 2025 stands as a shining example of how individual commitment, institutional support, and public engagement can come together to create lasting impact. It wasn’t just about pledges; it was about spreading hope and empowering people with knowledge that could one day save lives.

Science

Forensic Workshop Held in Porvorim by Goa Legal Services

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa State Legal Services Authority, functioning under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Goa High Court Bar Association, recently organized a series of workshops focused on forensic evidence at Porvorim.

The workshop series was aimed at strengthening the understanding of forensic science among members of the legal community, with a particular focus on its application in narcotics-related cases under the NDPS Act.

Dr. Andre Fernandes, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, led a key session on the types of narcotics commonly encountered in forensic and legal investigations, along with the methods employed for their detection and classification. His insights helped participants understand how such substances are identified and categorized within the framework of the law.

Smt. Shraddha Malvankar, a Scientific Officer holding a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, delivered an in-depth presentation on the scientific analysis of narcotics. Her session covered the critical processes involved in laboratory testing and the role of forensic experts in generating evidence that stands up to legal scrutiny, especially in cases prosecuted under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.

The workshops brought together legal professionals, forensic experts, and law enforcement officers, emphasizing the growing need for interdisciplinary understanding in handling complex narcotics cases. By providing scientific clarity on forensic protocols and analysis, the event contributed meaningfully to the legal community’s capacity to deal with drug-related offenses in a legally sound and scientifically accurate manner.

This initiative reflects the Goa State Legal Services Authority’s commitment to enhancing legal knowledge and supporting access to justice through well-informed practices. It also underlines the importance of continuous education and collaboration between the fields of law and science.

Travel

Goa to Spotlight Regenerative Tourism & “Feels Like Goa” Campaign at WTM London 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to make a powerful impression on the global tourism map as it participates in World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, from 4th to 6th November. The Department of Tourism will unveil two key narratives: the state’s Regenerative Tourism model, and its deeply emotional, year-end campaign, “Feels Like Goa.”

Unlike traditional promotional strategies, Goa’s approach this year is rooted in its people, culture, and environment. As India’s first state to formally adopt Regenerative Tourism, Goa aims not just to preserve but to actively restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and celebrate its unique spiritual and cultural heritage. This vision is guided by four foundational pillars—People, Community, Environment, and Economy—with a strong commitment to ensuring that tourism benefits everyone, not just economically, but emotionally and culturally as well.

The “Feels Like Goa” campaign is more than marketing—it’s a heartfelt call to travelers to reconnect with the emotions, nostalgia, and magic that make Goa unforgettable. From village feasts and soulful sunsets to the vibrant end-of-year celebrations that define Goa’s festive spirit, the campaign captures what it truly means to experience the state. It reminds global audiences that Goa is not just a location—it’s a feeling of belonging, warmth, and discovery.

At WTM London, the focus will also be on Goa Beyond Beaches—an invitation to discover the lesser-known spiritual trails, heritage circuits, hinterland escapes, and vibrant cultural festivals that lie beyond the coast. Initiatives like the Ekadasha Teertha Circuit aim to draw attention to Goa’s deep spiritual roots while ensuring that local communities are central to the tourism economy.

Culinary tourism will also take centre stage, highlighting Goa’s diverse and storied food culture. With influences from Hindu, Portuguese, Saraswat, and tribal traditions, Goan cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange. Visitors will be invited to explore Goa’s rich flavours through curated culinary trails, traditional feasts, and modern interpretations that continue to evolve.

The state’s vision includes robust plans for the future—investing in community-led tourism enterprises, supporting women and youth empowerment, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and nurturing biodiversity. New projects such as the Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum are set to enhance Goa’s position as a multi-dimensional tourism destination.

As Goa prepares for the final months of 2025, its participation at WTM London represents a new chapter in how the state defines and shares its identity with the world. This is a tourism model that regenerates, uplifts, and inspires—not only delivering memorable experiences to travelers, but ensuring that every visit contributes positively to Goa’s people and its future.

At WTM London 2025, Goa invites the world to go beyond the beaches, to taste its cuisine, walk its spiritual paths, explore its living traditions, and above all—feel like Goa.

Sports

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Francisco Monte Cruz Stand at Fatorda Stadium

allycaralgoa

Fatorda, Goa | October 14, 2025 — Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Francisco Monte Cruz Stand at the Jawaharlal Nehru Football Stadium, Fatorda, during the India vs Singapore AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier, marking yet another milestone in Goa’s celebrated football history.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, PWD Minister Shri Digambar Kamat, MLA Shri Vijai Sardesai, and other prominent personalities from the sports fraternity.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s long-standing love affair with football and emphasized the government’s continued commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure across the state. “This stand is not just a structure; it’s a tribute to our footballing spirit and a reflection of Goa’s dedication to nurturing talent and celebrating its sports legends,” he said.

The stand has been named in honor of Francisco Monte Cruz, a respected figure known for his significant contributions to Goan football. The gesture recognizes his legacy and passion for the sport, which has inspired generations of players and fans alike.

Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar lauded the initiative, noting that the government’s efforts are aligned with making Goa a hub for international sports events. PWD Minister Shri Digambar Kamat and MLA Shri Vijai Sardesai also extended their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of preserving Goa’s football culture.

The grand event coincided with the thrilling India vs Singapore AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier, adding a special moment of pride and excitement for fans gathered at the stadium.

The newly inaugurated stand is expected to enhance the spectator experience and further solidify Fatorda Stadium’s reputation as one of India’s premier football venues.

With Goa continuing to play a central role in Indian football, the inauguration of the Francisco Monte Cruz Stand serves as a heartfelt reminder of the state’s passion, heritage, and commitment to the beautiful game.