On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Goa government has announced a full 24-hour closure of all casinos and alcohol-serving establishments in the state. This decision, issued by the Department of Home (General), is a symbolic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s values of non-violence, discipline, and simplicity.
As per the official notification, all casino licensees — including the six offshore and several onshore casinos operating within five-star hotels — are required to halt operations from 12:00 AM on October 2 to 12:00 AM on October 3. Additionally, the state will observe a Dry Day, meaning the sale of alcohol will be strictly prohibited across Goa. This includes all bars, restaurants, wine shops, and retail liquor outlets.
The government has appealed to both locals and tourists to fully cooperate with the restrictions, emphasizing that this day should be observed with reverence and in the spirit of national respect. Authorities have also issued a warning that strict action will be taken against any violations of the shutdown or dry day orders.
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, whose life and philosophy continue to inspire peace, reform, and civil rights across the world. The shutdown in Goa reflects a conscious effort to align with the values he stood for and offer the day in quiet respect to his enduring legacy.
“If one doesn’t respect their heritage and lets it slip away, then there is every possibility that a foreign culture comes in and wipes out the original culture,” said Sanjeev Sardesai, heritage promoter and cultural storyteller, during a compelling session of the Centenary Lecture Series organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji.
Speaking on the theme ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’, Sardesai underlined that heritage is not just about the physical — it includes every intangible tradition passed down over generations. From culinary styles and farming rituals to language and daily customs, he stressed that ignoring these cultural markers leaves communities vulnerable to cultural erosion.
To illustrate, Sardesai referred to a carved stone outside a cemetery in St. Inez that lies neglected despite its historic value. He lamented the lack of brochures and credible information for the millions of tourists who come to Goa but leave without a deeper understanding of its soul.
Sardesai traced Goa’s cultural mosaic with historical anecdotes, including how the Portuguese were aided by the villagers of Taleigao in 1510 after nearly perishing at sea. That single act led to a yearly harvest ritual still observed today — a living tradition that has endured five centuries.
He highlighted Goa’s unique natural heritage as well. From the flame-throated bulbul (Goa’s state bird) to the Terminalia eliptica or crocodile bark tree, Sardesai connected ecology to cultural identity. He shared that this particular tree can provide drinking water in emergencies — a little-known fact that hints at its life-sustaining powers.
Turning to monuments, Sardesai explored the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji and how it came to house the second heaviest bell in Goa. Originally from the St. Augustine’s Convent, the bell was temporarily housed at the Aguada Fort before making its way to Panaji when the lighthouse was modernized. These silent relics, he argued, have powerful stories that remain largely untold.
Sardesai concluded with a call to action: Goans must fiercely protect both their monuments and their memories. “Until and unless our roots are strong, you will not get a good tree, nor will you get good fruits,” he said. “You must understand that heritage is something which is part of our life.”
The Department of Posts, Goa Postal Division, held a vibrant curtain raiser ceremony at Tapal Bhavan, Panaji, setting the stage for GOAPEX 2025, the upcoming district-level philatelic exhibition. Scheduled to be held on 28th and 29th November 2025 at the Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panaji, the event promises to celebrate Goa’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of philately.
The event’s highlight was the official unveiling of the GOAPEX 2025 logo by Ramesh P. Patil, Director, Postal Services, Goa Region, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion. The logo, themed around “Goa – Gateway of Culture”, reflects the state’s vibrant traditions and its historical role as a cultural crossroads.
In his address, Mr. Patil emphasized the enduring educational value of philately, particularly in shaping young minds through knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride. He encouraged philatelists of all ages to actively participate in the exhibition, highlighting the platform as a celebration of both history and imagination.
Adding to the moment of pride, Stuti Laxmikant Naik, a Class 7 student from Shree Mahalasa Narayani High School in Verna, was felicitated for designing the winning logo. Her creative work was selected through a competition organized by the Department.
The department also released the Prospectus of GOAPEX 2025, outlining participation guidelines, exhibit categories, and event highlights. Additionally, the first GOAPEX Bulletin was unveiled—an exclusive collector’s edition that includes a Logo Postcard (Mint) and a World Tourism Day Picture Postcard (Cancelled). Priced at Rs. 350, the Bulletin will be available at the Panaji Head Post Office.
The ceremony was attended by philatelists, students, and postal staff, including Anurag Nikhare, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Goa Division, and Aslesh Kamat, President of the Goa Philately and Numismatics Society.
GOAPEX 2025 is set to be more than an exhibition—it will be a cultural homage through stamps, narratives, and youth creativity. Stay tuned as Panaji becomes the hub of philatelic passion this November.
Panaji, 29th September 2025 – The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, successfully concluded a month-long celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, culminating in the World Tourism Day Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival at ESG, Panaji. This curated film showcase brought together diverse voices and visual stories reflecting Goa’s cultural depth, coastal and hinterland experiences, and the state’s shift towards responsible and inclusive tourism.
The grand finale at ESG featured a line-up of compelling short films including Postcards from Goa, Islands on Island, Sashticho Koddo, Bread and Belonging, Kharvan, The Birdman of Chorao, Caazu, I Am Nothing, Sadabahar, Conversations on Oviyos, Written in Corners, Petroglyphs and Manohar Rai Sardesai. Thoughtful interactions with filmmakers such as Vince Costa, Sonia Filinto, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Elsa de Souza, Ronak Kamat and Shaistah Thapar added depth to the festival, which resonated with students, influencers, and tourism professionals alike.
The month-long festivities reflected a dynamic model of tourism that reaches beyond traditional beach destinations. The Department of Tourism organised over a dozen experiential activities that highlighted Goa’s regenerative and community-centric tourism model. These included forest walks in bioluminescent zones, kayaking expeditions, river cruises, coconut farming, bread-making experiences in rural villages, cycling tours through Chorao Island, and heritage walks at Aguad and Monte Santo. These experiences offered visitors a unique look into Goa’s natural assets and living traditions while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The celebrations also served as a platform for learning and collaboration. On 27th September, Goa hosted its largest ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at the Grand Hyatt, bringing together hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, government bodies, industry experts, and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to discuss the future of Goa’s tourism sector. Topics included sustainable growth strategies, youth engagement, and tapping into emerging global markets.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasised that Goa’s tourism story is no longer just about leisure—it is now about learning, responsibility, and contributing to places and communities. He praised the active involvement of students, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs, noting that Goa’s inclusive tourism model sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a regenerative tourism economy that preserves culture, nurtures nature, and benefits all stakeholders.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik reiterated the campaign’s core message of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” stressing the need to involve and uplift local communities, especially women and youth. The department’s vision for tourism in Goa is to combine innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—empowering those who form the backbone of the tourism industry while curating authentic visitor experiences.
With enthusiastic support from students, filmmakers, homestay owners, content creators, NGOs, and industry professionals, the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations served as a vibrant reminder of Goa’s evolving identity as a hub of responsible, community-based tourism. As Goa sets its sights on becoming a year-round tourism destination rooted in regenerative values, the success of this initiative reflects a collective commitment to telling better stories, building better systems, and welcoming the world with purpose.
In a landmark celebration of International Tourism Day 2025, Goa took a historic step toward inclusive tourism by hosting its first-ever Inclusive Boat Cruise on September 26, 2025. Organized by the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, this unique initiative offered persons with disabilities the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mandovi River—a privilege often denied due to both physical and attitudinal barriers.
The cruise, which began from the Santa Monica Jetty in Panaji, welcomed over 60 participants with disabilities, despite heavy rains. Around 15 volunteers without disabilities joined them, not as aides but as equal participants, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere. For many, especially adult participants with disabilities from diverse professions such as teaching, entrepreneurship, government service, and para sports, this was their first time on a boat cruise—an experience both joyful and empowering.
Unlike previous efforts that largely focused on school students with disabilities, this event broke new ground by engaging adults, reflecting a broader and more inclusive vision. It emphasized that persons with disabilities are not just recipients of support but contributors to social and cultural life. This shift in narrative is critical in building a society that sees inclusion as a norm, not an exception.
Director of the Department of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, highlighted that the enthusiastic response to the cruise was a powerful indicator of the growing interest in community-based, inclusive tourism in Goa. He affirmed the department’s commitment to continue curating such experiences across the state, which reflect Goa’s dedication to diversity, accessibility, and sustainability.
The concept of the Inclusive Cruise was initiated by Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, whose vision and commitment turned an ambitious idea into a heartwarming reality. His leadership, along with the backing of key tourism stakeholders, ensured that the event was not only accessible but dignified and celebratory.
Shri Vishant Nagvekar, member of the State Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities and a participant in the cruise, expressed deep gratitude to the organizers. He emphasized that this event went beyond symbolic inclusion. It created a rare and much-needed platform for persons with disabilities to connect, share life experiences, and feel genuinely seen and valued. Such events, he noted, are essential for building inclusive communities where stories of resilience, courage, and everyday victories can be shared and celebrated.
As the cruise sailed through Goa’s scenic river under cloudy skies, the participants laughed, danced, and connected with one another. The rain could not dampen the spirit of what was clearly more than just a ride—it was a statement. A statement that accessible tourism is not just desirable but absolutely achievable when intention meets action.
Goa’s first Inclusive Boat Cruise is not the final destination but the beginning of a new journey—one where every person, regardless of ability, has the right to explore, participate, and enjoy the world around them.
