Goa’s artistic legacy found national recognition at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, as the stunning tableaux of Assam and Himachal Pradesh, designed and fully decorated by Vinayak Decorators, emerged as visual highlights of the celebrations.
Conceptualised and executed by a team of Goan artists led by Siddesh Dessai, owner of Vinayak Decorators, the floats beautifully captured the cultural soul and heritage of the two states. Their intricate detailing, vibrant colours and storytelling artistry drew praise from spectators, officials and dignitaries attending the parade.
The parade, held under the themes “Svatantrata Ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi Ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” showcased 30 cultural tableaux from states, Union Territories and central ministries. Assam’s tableau highlighted the state’s renowned Asharikandi terracotta craftsmanship, while Himachal Pradesh’s display celebrated its identity as “Dev Bhoomi,” portraying rich spiritual traditions and cultural vibrancy.
The event was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior cabinet ministers and distinguished international guests in attendance. The chief guests included Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Beyond the cultural splendour, the Republic Day Parade featured an impressive display of India’s military prowess, ceremonial gun salutes, marching contingents and a colourful procession of performers — reinforcing the nation’s unity, diversity and creative excellence.
For Goa, the recognition of Vinayak Decorators’ work stands as a proud moment, highlighting the state’s contribution to India’s cultural storytelling on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.
Panaji, November 18, 2025: Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanavade visited the Goa Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in New Delhi, where he commended the efforts of Goan artists and artisans for showcasing the state’s cultural legacy on a national stage.
Tanavade, who is also a member of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce (DRPSC), was in New Delhi as part of a study visit to review the activities of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the body that organizes IITF. Following the study review, he made a special visit to the Goa Pavilion.
He was welcomed at the pavilion by Assistant Information Officer Shanto Naik and Information Assistant Siddhesh Samant from the Department of Information and Publicity.
Taking a keen interest in the range of Goan handicrafts and cultural displays, Tanavade lauded the department’s efforts in presenting Goa’s rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and cuisine at major national events. He interacted with cultural artists and artisans, appreciating their dedication in representing Goa beyond the state’s borders and showcasing their talent to a diverse audience.
The Goa Pavilion continues to draw attention at IITF 2025 for its vibrant display of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity.
In a poignant moment that celebrated both artistic excellence and cultural legacy, renowned Goan artist Kalidas Satardekar presented a specially crafted portrait to acclaimed actress Varsha Usgaonkar. The tribute coincided with the announcement of her Lifetime Achievement Award by the Entertainment Society of Goa, adding emotional resonance to an already significant occasion.
“It was a privilege to present my portrait of the eminent Goan actress, Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar,” shared Satardekar, reflecting on the moment of recognition and shared pride. Known for his expressive and deeply rooted artistic style, Satardekar captured the elegance and legacy of Usgaonkar — one of Goa’s most celebrated film and television personalities.
Varsha Usgaonkar has been a towering presence in Indian cinema and television since the 1980s, earning admiration for her versatility, charm, and consistent representation of Goan identity in popular media. Her contributions have made her a household name across India, particularly in Marathi and Hindi entertainment circles.
The award and the portrait stand as a celebration of her enduring impact and a symbolic passing of the torch between two Goan luminaries from different disciplines — one from the world of screen, the other from the world of canvas.
Together, the gesture and the award remind us of the interconnectedness of Goa’s vibrant cultural ecosystem, where artists, performers, and creators across generations honour one another in the spirit of community and shared heritage.
As Goa continues to celebrate its rich cultural narrative, moments like these bring deeper meaning to the stories that shape its identity — a story told not just in awards or accolades, but in the heartfelt gestures of fellow artists.
~ As part of MOG Sundays, Goan filmmaker Ronak Kamat screened his documentary ‘I Am Nothing,’ chronicling the life of reclusive artist Vamona Navelcar, whose journey spanned Goa, Mozambique and Portugal.
~ Kamat talks about his experience directing the film, eight years in the making, that included candid conversations with artists and collaborators.
Panaji, July 2025: According to Goan director and writer Ronak Kamat, the late Vamona Navelcar was a reclusive, but exceptional Goan artist from Pomburpa, whose life spanned stories from Goa, Mozambique and Portugal. An exclusive screening of I Am Nothing, Kamat’s documentary on Navelcar, was held at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, followed by a discussion with the director as a part of its MOG Sundays series.
Navelcar, who died at the ripe old age of 91 in 2021, wasn’t someone who opened up easily to others and Kamat did not want to make him feel uncomfortable in the course of his interviews. “Instead of aiming for a swankier film, I thought, why not go for an honest film (with) Navelcar, two members of the crew and a simple setup where he could speak freely,” says Kamat, adding that the process of filming lasted eight years, which included engaging with various individuals associated with Navelcar.
In the course of his lengthy career as an artist, Navelkar twice received Gulbenkian Fellowships and won an international award in Monte Carlo. A master of line, his murals and bas-reliefs feature in collections across the world.
It all started when Kamat was in his second year of college, in the middle of filming his previous project Caazu, when Anne Ketteringham, author of Vamona Navelcar: An Artist of Three Continents, invited him to visit the artist’s home. “So we went and met him. I thought he was a great artist. I had heard about him, but I didn’t expect to be sitting and talking with him for four hours,” Kamat recalls. After that meeting, the director began asking around, speaking with family members, abstract artist based in Goa, Suhas Shilker, his initial introducer Anne Ketteringham and several others to learn more about the artist.
As Kamat dug deeper, he realised that, while many people knew of Navelcar, no one was making an obvious effort to preserve his story. “He’s not going to be around forever. He has so much to tell us about his life and his art, which is impeccable. So that was the impulse.”
During the shooting process, there were days when Kamat would arrive at the artist’s house with a plan and find Navelcar not wanting to shoot. “We would start chatting and after an hour, he would gesture to bring out the camera,” he narrates.He emphasises the importance of ethical filmmaking, saying, “I think that’s a big part of creating documentaries. Because otherwise everyone is so focused on just getting a film made.”
After completing a draft of the documentary, Kamat sought guidance from various producers, including Arindam Mitra, producer of Black Friday, a popular 2004 Indian crime film, but soon realised the need for an artist’s viewpoint to shape the film more thoughtfully. He then consulted Viraj Naik, an artist known for his printmaking and paintings.
Kamat is also known for his writing work for OTT platforms. His works have reached numerous film festivals worldwide and have won the ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Best Short Film’ awards. His last short film, ‘Bare’, won the ‘Best Film on Women’ Award at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (CICFF) in 2021 and an ‘Honourable Mention for Best Director’ at the Eastern Europe Film Festival in Romania. I Am Nothing is now set to be screened in Portugal on September 5.
A vibrant explosion of colour, culture, and rhythm took over Swindon’s Polo Ground as the town hosted the inaugural Swindon Carnival 2025, an event now marked as a new milestone in the cultural calendar of the UK Goan diaspora.
Organised by UK Visionary Events, the day celebrated unity in diversity — blending Goan traditions with global influences. The event kicked off with a carnival parade led by children in festive costumes and the grand Carnival King & Queen, with the Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, lending his support.
Goan Soul, Global Beat The stage came alive with iconic Konkani performances, with Mark Revlon’s soulful “Efernant Suate Na” and Princeston Colaco’s hit “Destiny” drawing roaring applause. Audiences also swayed to the stylings of Rainbow’s End, powered by Gladrin’s vocals.
As dusk set in, DJ Frankey, Kessh, Xavier, and Kim kept the crowd energised into the night, while rappers Lil Ferns & Eric Goan added an urban flair with fiery verses.
Flavours & Festivities Food was a highlight — with stalls offering traditional Goan fare and global delights, while fairground rides, interactive booths, T-shirt design, face painting, and NHS stalls added depth and accessibility to the event.
Seamless & Safe Organised by a 16-member team led by Lewin and Melroy, the event was a model of meticulous planning and execution. With Beast Security ensuring safety and NHS booths promoting health awareness, the event balanced fun and responsibility perfectly.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment According to the organisers, this was more than just a one-off celebration. “Swindon Carnival 2025 is the start of a movement,” they said. “It shows what’s possible when communities come together in unity and celebration.”
The Swindon Carnival promises to return even bigger and brighter — growing into a cherished annual tradition that celebrates Goan identity while embracing the world.
