Tag: GoaEvents

Events in Goa

Potters Fest Goa Returns with Fifth Edition Celebrating Clay, Craft and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Potters Fest Goa is set to return this January with its much-anticipated fifth edition, transforming the scenic F.L. Gomes Garden at Campal, Panjim, into a vibrant hub of clay, culture and creativity from January 9 to 11, 2026. The annual festival has grown into a significant celebration of pottery and ceramics, drawing potters, clay and ceramic artists, and pottery enthusiasts from across India for three immersive days of learning, interaction and artistic exchange.

Rooted in Goa’s earthy traditions, this year’s festival places a special spotlight on the shared heritage of Kunbi handloom and pottery. Both crafts, handcrafted from natural materials, reflect simplicity, sustainability and the enduring indigenous culture of the state. By bringing these traditions together, the festival highlights the deep connection between craft, community and cultural memory in Goa.

A unique highlight of this edition will be a specially conceptualised show by Asha Arondekar, Rahila Khan and Asha Vernekar, showcasing 12 western wear outfits and 12 sarees that creatively blend textile and pottery-inspired aesthetics. Scheduled for 5.30 pm on January 9, 2026, the show promises to be a distinctive fusion of fashion and craft heritage.

The festival will also feature daily hands-on workshops, offering visitors an opportunity to engage directly with clay. These include a full-day pottery wheel experience led by Bhisaji Gadekar and a mosaic workshop conducted by Marilyn D’Costa, with on-the-spot registrations available, encouraging spontaneous participation and learning.

Curated and organised by Bipasha Sen Gupta, Potters Fest Goa will be open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm, creating a welcoming space for artists, families and visitors to explore, create and connect. As it enters its fifth year, the festival continues to strengthen its role as a platform that celebrates craftsmanship, supports artisans and keeps Goa’s rich creative traditions alive while inviting new conversations around contemporary craft practices.

Sports

Vinod Phadke Outlines Vision to Strengthen Veterans’ Cricket in Goa as GVCA Hosts 3rd Veterans Tournament

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Panaji, Goa:The Goa Veterans Cricket Association (GVCA) is all set to host the 3rd GVCA Veterans Cricket Tournament from November 13 to 15, taking place across the SAG Chicalim and GCA Porvorim grounds. As preparations gain momentum, GVCA President and Board of Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) Secretary Vinod Phadke has outlined a forward-looking vision for veterans’ cricket in Goa.

Phadke emphasized the importance of building a stronger ecosystem for senior cricketers, with regular tournaments and improved facilities.

“We want to ensure that those who’ve contributed to the sport continue to enjoy competitive cricket with the right infrastructure and support,” said Phadke.

The GVCA was founded to give opportunities to passionate players who, despite their dedication, didn’t make it to the state Ranji team. It provides a platform for these athletes to continue their cricketing journey.

Phadke expressed pride in Goa’s contribution to national-level veterans’ cricket.

“Last year, three of our players represented various franchises in the Indian Veterans Premier League (IVPL), playing alongside cricketing legends like Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, and Suresh Raina. Watching them compete with icons was a moment of immense satisfaction,” he shared.

Under Phadke’s leadership, GVCA has been closely collaborating with BVCI to host interstate and zonal tournaments, including one successfully held in Goa in 2023. These efforts are helping to create a structured, sustainable ecosystem for senior players across India.

Acknowledging the challenges, Phadke thanked the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) and its President Mahesh Dessai for their continued support.

“Infrastructure and participation are key challenges, but GCA’s assistance has ensured smooth organization and growth,” he added.

Looking ahead, Phadke announced plans to host more national-level veterans’ tournaments in Goa, combining sport with tourism and cultural engagement.

“Veterans’ cricket keeps experienced players connected to the game, inspires younger generations, and sustains the spirit of cricket across ages,” he concluded.

The 3rd GVCA Veterans Tournament promises not only to celebrate cricket but also the legacy of players who have kept the spirit of the game alive well beyond their prime years.

Events in Goa

Entertainment Society of Goa Invites Entries for Statewide Aakash Kandil Competition at IFFI 2025

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The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), in collaboration with the Government of Goa, has announced the much-awaited Aakash Kandil (lantern-making) competition as part of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025).

This annual celebration of light, art, and community encourages Goans to express their creativity through traditional and modern lantern designs — a visual representation of Goa’s vibrant culture and artistic legacy.

✨ Competition Highlights:

  • Participation: Open to all residents of Goa
  • Entry Limit: A total of 600 entries, with a cap of 50 entries per Taluka, accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Participation Reward: Every participant will receive ₹500 as a token of appreciation.
  • Submission Deadline: 18th November 2025 (by 5 PM)
  • Submission Venue: ESG Office, between 10 AM – 12:30 PM on 20th November.

For registration, participants can contact Neelai Naik at 7350019149.

🌿 Environmentally Friendly Theme

Participants are encouraged to craft their Aakash Kandils using eco-friendly materials, avoiding thermocol, to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. ESG will provide holders, bulbs, and electrical connections for display.

🏆 Judging & Rewards

A distinguished panel of judges will select three winners from each Taluka, who will receive the following prizes:

  • 🥇 First Prize: ₹5000
  • 🥈 Second Prize: ₹3000
  • 🥉 Third Prize: ₹2000

All decisions by the judges will be final and binding.

💫 A Celebration of Creativity and Culture

The competition aims to foster artistic talent and community pride, illuminating the streets of Goa with handcrafted brilliance during IFFI 2025. Beyond the festive glow, the initiative stands as a tribute to Goan craftsmanship, cultural unity, and sustainable creativity.

As IFFI 2025 approaches, ESG invites everyone across the state to participate, create, and celebrate — turning Goa into a vibrant canvas of light and imagination.

📍 For more details, visit allycaral.com
#IFFI2025 #IFFIGoa #ESG #AakashKandil #GoaCulture #FestivalOfLights #ConnectingGlobal #Allycaral

Events in Goa

Celebrating the Spirit of Enterprise and Empowerment: Entrepreneurship Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Entrepreneurship Week 2025, held on November 10 at Nalanda, EDC House, Panaji, Goa, was a vibrant celebration of innovation, resilience, and empowerment. The event brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem enablers who are redefining Goa’s economic and social landscape through enterprise.

The week-long initiative focused on nurturing an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial culture that values creativity, collaboration, and long-term impact. Participants included startups, women entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and policy leaders who shared their insights on building scalable and responsible businesses.

The sessions highlighted themes of innovation-driven growth, digital transformation, inclusive leadership, and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Attendees engaged in interactive dialogues, workshops, and showcases that celebrated both emerging ideas and successful local ventures.

EDC Goa and Nalanda served as the perfect venues for this collaborative effort, symbolizing the state’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of progress. From young founders to seasoned business leaders, the gathering echoed a shared belief that enterprise is not just about profit but about purpose, creativity, and empowerment.

Entrepreneurship Week 2025 concluded on an inspiring note, reaffirming that the spirit of enterprise thrives where ideas meet opportunity and where empowerment becomes a collective journey toward inclusive growth.

Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.