Tag: Goan Culture

Events in Goa

Goa Unveils Zuno Aged Feni, Elevating GI-Tagged Cashew Spirit to Premium Status

Tanisha Cardozo

Zuno Aged Feni by Cazcar Heritage Distillery was unveiled at a special ceremony in Goa by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation Deviya Rane, Shri Gurudatta Bhakta and Smt. Rupa Bhakta, along with members of the feni community.

The unveiling represents a significant advancement in positioning Goa’s GI-tagged cashew feni as a refined and premium spirit in both domestic and international markets. Feni has long symbolised the state’s heritage and the dedication of its cashew farmers and traditional distillers. By introducing an aged expression, the initiative enhances both product value and global appeal while maintaining authentic production practices.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Deviya Rane emphasised that value addition through aging plays a crucial role in strengthening the brand identity of Goan feni. She noted that such initiatives directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of farmers, distillers and rural communities connected to the cashew ecosystem.

Highlighting her role as Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation, she stressed the importance of integrating sustainable cashew cultivation with premium product development. Responsible agricultural practices combined with strategic branding, she said, can elevate Goa’s identity while generating long-term economic benefits.

The launch of Zuno Aged Feni reflects a broader vision of merging tradition with innovation. With global consumers increasingly appreciating artisanal and region-specific spirits, the product is poised to expand recognition of Goa’s GI-tagged cashew feni internationally.

Extending her congratulations to the team behind the initiative, Dr. Rane expressed confidence that Zuno Aged Feni will achieve strong success in national and global markets, further strengthening Goa’s cultural and economic landscape.

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.

Events in Goa

Team Yuva Panaji Secures Top Honours at Elgar 1.0 Flag Painting Competition in Mapusa

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Team Yuva Panaji delivered an outstanding performance at Elgar 1.0, securing 1st place in the Flag Painting Competition and finishing as 4th Runners-Up at the cultural event.


The competition was hosted by Ghumat Mogi on January 24 and 25, 2026, at Shree Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from several teams.

Despite stiff competition, the team’s dedication, creativity, and hard work paid off, earning them top recognition at the event. Their achievement reflects the growing spirit of youth-led cultural participation in Goa.

Entertainment

Vindaloo Launches Dedicated OTT Platform to Take Konkani Cinema and Culture to the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vindaloo Entertainment Private Limited has launched Vindaloo, a first-of-its-kind OTT platform dedicated entirely to Konkani cinema, Tiatr and Goan cultural storytelling, marking a major milestone for the preservation and global promotion of Konkani heritage.

For decades, Konkani artists and filmmakers have struggled to find a structured digital space to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. Vindaloo aims to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated ecosystem where Goan stories, music, theatre and cinema can thrive while remaining accessible to viewers across the world. With a clear mission to preserve culture and empower creative talent, the platform brings together entertainment, education and cultural archiving in one digital home.

“Our vision is to create a platform that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Konkani entertainment but also provides a voice to the talented artists and filmmakers who have been contributing to the industry for years. We want to take Konkani culture to the world and bring the world to Konkani culture, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among audiences globally,” said Nikhil Desai, Co-founder of Vindaloo.

Siddhant Shetty, Co-founder of Vindaloo, added that Konkani culture is a treasure trove of stories, music and art that deserves global recognition. “We are committed to preserving and promoting it for generations to come. With Vindaloo, we are creating a digital archive of Konkani content that will not only entertain but also educate and enlighten audiences about the rich heritage of Goa and the Konkani diaspora.”

Vindaloo offers a diverse library that includes 20 Konkani feature films by Goan filmmakers, digitised Tiatr performances, and exclusive content from nationally and internationally award-winning directors and actors. With over 30 Konkani titles lined up for release over the next two months, the platform is set to become the go-to destination for Konkani entertainment.

Available on both Android and iOS devices, Vindaloo allows viewers to enjoy their favourite Konkani content anytime, anywhere. Its pay-per-view model enables filmmakers to monetise their work, creating new revenue streams while strengthening the local creative economy.

With global availability across India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, Vindaloo connects Goa with the worldwide Konkani diaspora, strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring that Goan stories continue to inspire audiences across generations and borders.

Films

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri to Represent Goan Culture at International Folklore Film Festival, Kerala

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goan documentary Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been officially selected for screening at the 9th edition of the International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF), Kerala. The festival will be held from January 15 to 22, 2026, across five venues in the state, bringing together folklore-focused films and documentaries from around the world.

Among 659 national and international short films submitted, Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as one of only two Goan films selected for the week-long festival, marking a significant milestone for Goan cinema and cultural representation on an international platform.

Directed, shot, and narrated by Prachi Shirodkar, and edited by Mario Pimenta, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Goa’s traditional goldsmith community. The film was produced under the guidance of Agnelo D’Souza at Don Bosco College, Panjim, and documents the intricate craftsmanship, heritage, and lived realities of artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.

The documentary features Goan artisans Rashila Shirodkar, Virendra Rivankar, and Pranay Shirodkar, capturing their techniques, artistic precision, and the cultural significance of gold craftsmanship in Goa. Through careful observation and storytelling, the film highlights the deep connection between labour, identity, and tradition within the community.

Prachi Shirodkar, a Goan filmmaker with a diploma in Architecture and a degree in Mass Communication, created Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri with the intention of documenting and preserving the craftsmanship of Goan gold artisans. As a Goan woman filmmaker, her work represents an important contribution to women’s empowerment, amplifying female voices in documentary filmmaking and cultural narratives.

Beyond celebrating Goan heritage, the film also underscores women’s leadership, authorship, and creative ownership in cinema—fields historically dominated by men. Prachi’s journey reflects a growing movement of Goan women reclaiming and narrating stories rooted in culture, labour, and identity.

The 9th International Folklore Film Festival is being organised by the International Film Festival of Thrissur, Bhoumam Social Initiative, Centre for Media Studies, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India. Dedicated to showcasing films rooted in folklore, rural traditions, mythology, arts, handicrafts, and sustainable lifestyles, the festival serves as a global platform for culturally grounded storytelling.

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands as a meaningful contribution to this global dialogue, proudly representing Goan culture, craftsmanship, and women-led storytelling on the international stage.