Tag: GoaEvents

Events in Goa

People’s Carnival Parade 2026 to Bring Goa’s Carnival Back to Its Roots in Porvorim

allycaralgoa

Porvorim, Goa | February 2, 2026: The Porvorim Carnival Committee has announced the return of the People’s Carnival Parade 2026, a community-led initiative aimed at reviving the original spirit of Goa’s Carnival—where people, culture, and creativity take centre stage over spectacle and commercialisation.

Scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2026, from 3:30 pm onwards, the parade will take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Art Park, Porvorim. Built around the philosophy “No Engines, No Generators, Only Joy,” the event marks a conscious shift towards a walking, dancing, people-powered celebration reminiscent of Carnivals from the past.

Speaking about the vision, Shri Rohan Khaunte said Carnival has traditionally reflected Goa’s social and cultural fabric through satire, music, humour, and collective participation. He noted that increasing motorisation and excessive amplification had diluted its essence and stressed that initiatives like the People’s Carnival Parade are crucial in restoring Carnival’s inclusive, environmentally conscious, and community-driven character.

Representing the organising committee, Reena Fernandes highlighted that the parade is designed as an open platform encouraging citizens, families, institutions, and performers to actively participate rather than remain spectators. Early bird incentives have been introduced to reward participants who creatively revive Carnival traditions through innovation.

Setting a strong precedent, participation in 2026 will be strictly people-powered—no motorised or fuel-driven vehicles, no generators, and no large sound systems. Only acoustic and portable music will be allowed, encouraging storytelling, costumes, live music, dance, and movement.

Committee member Abigail D’Mello, overseeing participation and rules, emphasised that removing engines, noise, and commercial floats allows genuine interaction and cultural expression, reflecting a Carnival many Goans remember fondly and wish to pass on to future generations.

Another committee member, Martha Pinto, described the initiative as a breath of fresh air, noting the strong public response and the need to safeguard what is culturally special to Goa while welcoming tourism responsibly.

The parade will feature People’s Floats (minimum 20 participants), a Family Category (minimum four members), and individual performers including clowns and jokers. A structured prize scheme will award cash prizes up to the fifth position across categories such as Traditional, Club/Institution, Family, and Clown/Joker, along with consolation prizes.

Early bird incentives include ₹6,000 for the first 25 registered People’s Floats and ₹3,000 for the first 25 family entries, reinforcing early and active community participation.

Open to all, the People’s Carnival Parade 2026 invites citizens to walk, dance, and celebrate together in a safe, inclusive, and noise-free environment—keeping Carnival people-powered, participatory, and deeply rooted in Goan identity.

Events in Goa

When Sunidhi Chauhan Took Over Goa: A Night of Nostalgia, Energy, and Collective Joy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

On January 25, 2026, at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, Goa, the state experienced more than just a live concert—it witnessed a shared emotional journey powered by music. Sunidhi Chauhan’s performance transformed the venue into a space where memories, energy and collective happiness flowed freely, cutting across age groups and generations.

As soon as Sunidhi Chauhan took the stage, the atmosphere shifted. Her powerful vocals ignited the crowd, and the response was instant and overwhelming. From Gen Z audiences capturing every beat on their phones to millennials singing along with nostalgia-filled smiles, the concert felt like a living archive of shared musical moments. Social media quickly reflected the mood of the night, filled with reels, stories, shaky videos, hoarse voices and wide smiles, all echoing the same sentiment—the vibe was unmatched.

The performance seamlessly moved between emotions. Soulful tracks created moments of stillness, reflection and deep connection, while iconic high-energy numbers sent waves of excitement through the crowd. People danced without hesitation, sang without worrying about perfection and allowed themselves to be fully present in the moment. For a few hours, differences in age or background dissolved, replaced by a shared rhythm and collective joy.

What made the night especially memorable was the personal connection Sunidhi Chauhan established with the audience. Her stage presence was confident, magnetic and deeply engaging, making it feel less like a performance and more like a celebration shared between artist and audience. The energy flowed effortlessly from the stage to the crowd and back again, creating an atmosphere of unity and warmth.

For younger fans, the concert was a chance to experience live the music they had grown up hearing through playlists and reels. For others, it was a reminder of school days, road trips, house parties and simpler times. Together, the experience reinforced the idea that good music does not fade with time—it grows alongside the people who listen to it.

That night in Goa became a pause from routine, stress and deadlines. It was about dancing with strangers who felt like friends, about feeling alive through music, and about carrying home memories that would resurface every time a Sunidhi Chauhan song played again. The concert was not just an event; it was a moment—one that will live on in tired legs, full hearts and unforgettable melodies.

Social

Neelai M Naik Honoured with “Young Achiever Award 2026” on Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Neelai M Naik was honoured with the prestigious “Young Achiever Award 2026” on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Goa. The award ceremony was organised on 12 January 2026 from 9.15 a.m. onwards at Swami Vivekanand Kendra and Khaprumam Parvatkar Hall, Ravindra Bhavan.

The event was organised by Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda while celebrating youth excellence and leadership. The ceremony brought together dignitaries, educators, parents, and young achievers to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment at an early age.

Neelai M Naik was felicitated for notable achievements accomplished at a very young age and for serving as a source of inspiration to the upcoming generation. The organisers acknowledged that such young role models embody the ideals of Swami Vivekananda by showcasing discipline, dedication, and purpose-driven excellence.

In its formal communication, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, expressed its appreciation for Neelai M Naik’s accomplishments and extended an invitation to grace the occasion by accepting the felicitation. The recognition formed a key part of the Swami Vivekananda “Young Achiever Award 2026” celebrations, which aimed to encourage youth to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society.

The event successfully reinforced the importance of nurturing young talent and recognising achievements that inspire future generations to strive for knowledge, character, and service.

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 to Celebrate Nature, Culture and Community at Art Park, Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.

Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.

She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.

Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.

The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.

Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.

The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.

Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.

Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.

Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.

Events in Goa

Back in Time: Retro-Themed Market Brings Nostalgia, Music & Goan Flavours Together

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Back in Time – Retro Themed Market invites the community to rewind the clock and relive the charm of a bygone era through music, fashion, food and shared memories. Designed as a joyful celebration of nostalgia, the market blends vintage aesthetics with meaningful community engagement, creating a space where the past and present meet seamlessly.

Visitors are encouraged to step out in their finest retro avatars — from bell bottoms and polka dots to vintage sarees and old-school swagger — with a special Best Dressed Retro Look prize adding a playful edge to the experience. Music forms the heart of the evening, as sing-along sessions with Peter Savio and timeless retro hits transport audiences back to the golden age of melody and rhythm, inviting everyone to dance, hum along and relive cherished moments.

Beyond nostalgia, the market also champions conscious living through its preloved sale initiative built on the principles of Relove, Reduce and Reuse. By giving preloved items a new life, the event promotes sustainable shopping while reminding visitors that style and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Adding a deeply personal touch is the community wall, where attendees are invited to share what they miss most about the old days — sparking conversations, memories and connections across generations. Local Goan vendors complete the experience with authentic food, traditional snacks, handcrafted goods and unique finds, reinforcing the importance of supporting local talent and culture.

More than just a market, Back in Time is a celebration of memories, music and mindful choices — a space where families, friends and communities come together to honour the past while shaping a more connected and sustainable present.