Tag: goa tourism

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Goa Tourism Celebrates 11th International Yoga Day at Socorro with Resounding Participation

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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.

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Goa Unveils ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’ to Promote Spiritual Tourism

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Panaji, June 2025 — In a significant move to diversify its tourism offerings beyond sun, sand, and sea, the Government of Goa has announced a new spiritual tourism initiative titled ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’. The program will spotlight 11 revered temples across the state, crafting a well-curated pilgrimage circuit for visitors seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion.

Reclaiming Goa’s Spiritual Legacy

While Goa is internationally known for its beaches and nightlife, its ancient temples and rich spiritual heritage have long remained underexplored by mainstream tourists. The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—literally meaning “Pilgrimage of Eleven Sacred Sites”—aims to change that.

The yatra will include stops at 11 iconic temples, representing various deities and regions of Goa. These sacred sites will offer a glimpse into the state’s syncretic history, traditional rituals, temple architecture, and the living culture of devotion practiced by Goans for generations.

“We want to highlight Goa’s lesser-known spiritual richness,” said Tourism Director Kedar Naik, who shared details of the initiative following a strategic meeting held with representatives of the identified temples earlier this week.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The Goa Tourism Department plans to integrate the circuit with guided tours, devotional music experiences, temple festivals, and local food trails, allowing tourists to engage not only with places of worship but with the broader cultural ecosystem that surrounds them.

Key features under development include:

  • Temple route mapping with historical and mythological context
  • Eco-friendly transport options for pilgrims
  • Spiritual wellness add-ons such as yoga and Ayurveda sessions
  • Souvenir and prasadam kiosks at each site
  • Enhanced infrastructure and accessibility at key temples

Tourism officials also indicated that the yatra will be promoted on both domestic and international platforms, positioning Goa as a holistic destination for the spiritually inclined traveler.

Temples Included in the Yatra

While the final list of temples is yet to be officially released, the circuit is expected to include renowned pilgrimage sites such as:

  • Shri Mangeshi Temple (Priol)
  • Shri Shantadurga Temple (Kavale)
  • Shri Mahadev Temple (Tambdi Surla)
  • Shri Mahalasa Temple (Mardol)
  • Shri Nageshi Temple (Ponda)
    …and others known for their religious and architectural significance.

Promoting Sustainable & Cultural Tourism

The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra is part of Goa’s broader strategy to decentralize tourism and encourage sustainable, culturally rooted travel. By spotlighting spiritual heritage, the state hopes to attract tourists seeking meaningful and reflective journeys, particularly in the post-pandemic era where wellness and mindfulness tourism are on the rise.

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Over 180 School Students Visit Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim on Goa Revolution Day

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~ The students engaged with Goa’s rich history through the Aguad Interactive Museum and explored the historic jail cells.

Panaji, June 2025: On Goa Revolution Day, 188 school students from across the state visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim, getting a firsthand look at a slice of the state’s history. Accompanied by teachers, parents and guides, they joined locals and tourists in marking the day at the former prison that once held freedom fighters during Goa’s liberation movement.

The historic venue had offered free entry for bonafide Goan residents to visit and honour the state’s freedom fighters who were once imprisoned at Aguada prison, now a popular, restored heritage site that is home to the Aguad Interactive Museum (AIM). 

In all, 43 students accompanied by two teachers from Dr K B Hedgewar High School in Bambolim, 122 students and 10 teachers from Hedgewar Primary and High School in Assonora and 23 students, one tour guide and 10 teachers and parents from Vidya Prabodhini Primary School in Alto Porvorim, visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex on the occasion of the historic day.

“Today, Aguad stands proudly as a diverse historical and cultural hub deeply rooted in Goan identity. It represents the unique cultural legacy of Goa and preserves the legacy of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated at Aguad, providing a memorable experience for all who visit. Students, in particular, can enrich themselves with factually accurate knowledge about Goa’s freedom struggle and learn more about the stellar participants of the movement,” says Savio Mathias, The Aguad Port and Jail Complex’s vice president, Operations and Business Development.  

The students engaged with Goa’s history through the interactive museum’s touch screens, informative displays and immersive installations. They had the opportunity to walk through the historic jail cells that once held Goa’s freedom fighters. In the Core Block of the complex, the students solemnly observed the engraved names of those freedom fighters who had been imprisoned at the jail during the state’s liberation movement, a reminder of their sacrifices.

Events in Goa

Goa Tourism to Celebrate São João with the Grand Siolim Boat Festival on 24th June 2025

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Siolim, 18th June, 2025- The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Siolim São João Traditional Boat Festival & Cultural Organisation, is pleased to announce the celebration of Siolim São João 2025 on 24th June 2025. This much-awaited cultural extravaganza will take place in the vibrant riverside village of Siolim, opposite St. Anthony’s Church, and promises an afternoon filled with tradition, colour, and community spirit.

This year’s edition will witness the distinguished presence of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Nilkant Halarnkar, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries; Dr. Ganesh C. Gaonkar, Chairman GTDC; Smt. Delilah Lobo, MLA, Siolim Constituency; Shri Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute Constituency; Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism; Shri Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism; and Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC.

Speaking about the event, Director Tourism, Shri Kedar A. Naik, stated, “Siolim São João is not only a celebration of Goa’s vibrant monsoon culture but also a reminder of our deep-rooted traditions that bind communities together. Through such festivals, we aim to encourage community-driven tourism experiences that honour local identity while offering engaging experiences for visitors.”

Rooted in Goan heritage and celebrated with unmatched zeal, the Siolim São João Festival is one of the most distinctive monsoon festivals in the state. This year’s celebration will commence with the grand traditional boat parade, where beautifully decorated floats and participants in festive attire will glide along the waters in a captivating procession that draws thousands of onlookers every year. Goa Tourism will also feature in the Boat parade with a specially designed boat & a monsoon mascot which will be followed by a themed dance performance that has been specially composed for this occasion.

The festivities will also showcase traditional Goan folk dances and live music, bringing together artists and performers from across the state. As part of the cultural traditions, the symbolic leap into wells and streams will be observed with joy, continuing the legacy of São João celebrations in Goa.

Other highlights include the age-old Oze and Dhali traditions, the Kopel competition, and engaging performances that blend the festive spirit with modern vibrancy. This year’s line-up features an energetic performance by the youth band Clay Jars, along with a special musical act by Johnny B Gud with Reza.

The event reaffirms Goa Tourism’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible cultural heritage while offering immersive experiences for both residents and visitors. By spotlighting traditional customs in a festive environment, the celebration aims to bring together communities, create lasting memories, and further reinforce Goa’s position as a cultural tourism destination.

Members of the public, tourists, and culture enthusiasts are warmly invited to be part of this dynamic celebration of tradition and togetherness, set against the scenic backdrop of Siolim’s riverside charm.

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FLY91 adds Solapur to its growing network

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~Booking is live for FLY91’s Goa–Solapur route

~ With the new route, FLY91 now connects eight destinations across India.

~ The route unlocks air access to five major pilgrimage centres popular among travellers from Maharashtra and the Konkan region.

Panaji, May 2025 – FLY91, India’s pure-play regional airline, will soon have direct flights between Goa and Solapur, further strengthening its commitment to enhancing last-mile air connectivity across underserved regions in India. With this addition, FLY91 connects eight destinations across the country, including four in Maharashtra, namely Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and now, Solapur. 

Bookings for the Goa–Solapur route have gone live. 

By offering a safe, time-efficient and reliable mode of transport, FLY91 has made Goa’s vibrant tourism and Solapur’s spiritual and industrial potential easily accessible for travellers from both regions.

Solapur, a key textile and industrial centre in south-western Maharashtra, also serves as the gateway to five revered pilgrimage sites in the western Indian state. With FLY91’s direct flights from Goa, travellers and pilgrims can now conveniently access religious and cultural heritage destinations such as Pandharpur (Vitthal-Rukmini Temple), Tuljapur (Tulja Bhavani Temple), Akkalkot (Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple), Gangapur (Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Math) and the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, important spiritual hubs attracting millions of visitors annually from Maharashtra and other parts of the country. 

“The launch of the Goa–Solapur route will highlight FLY91’s focus on improving connectivity to traditionally underserved destinations,” said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of FLY91. “Solapur is not only a key centre of industry but also a critical node in Maharashtra’s pilgrimage circuit. Our flights will make it easier for pilgrims, as well as business and leisure travellers alike, to move between these regions comfortably,” he further stated. 

FLY91 is thankful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Maharashtra, Director General of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and other stakeholders who continue to support us as we expand into Solapur. 

Based out of Manohar International Airport in Goa, FLY91 currently connects key regional centres such as Hyderabad and Pune with tier II and tier III destinations including Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and Goa.