Tag: Goan heritage

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.

National

Goa Tableau Showcased at Bharat Parv 2026 in New Delhi

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The Goa State tableau on the theme “Swatantrata Ka Mantra – Vande Mataram” is being displayed at Bharat Parv 2026, a flagship annual cultural event organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The event is open to the public from January 26 to January 31, 2026, at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort, New Delhi.


The tableau is being showcased at Bharat Parv as part of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defence and the State Government for the selection of State and UT tableaux for the Republic Day Parade from 2024 to 2026. Under the same MoU, the Goa State tableau was presented at the Republic Day cultural pageantry at Kartavya Path in 2025.

Bharat Parv celebrates the spirit of Unity in Diversity and serves as a platform to showcase India’s rich cultural, artistic, culinary, and spiritual heritage, while fostering patriotic fervour among citizens.

The Goa tableau vividly portrays the State’s freedom struggle, featuring the contribution of satyagrahis, the historic Aguada Jail (now Fort Aguada Jail Museum), the Ashok Stambh with a larger-than-life statue of Bharat Mata symbolising complete freedom, and the statue of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, who played a key role in igniting the Goan liberation movement. The tableau is further enlivened by the vibrant Ghode Modni, a traditional Goan warrior folk dance.

Renowned artist Shri Sushant Khedekar from Ponda conceptualised, designed, and fabricated the tableau. The design was selected by a State-level Selection Committee headed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The fabrication was carried out at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp near Delhi Cantt, with a dedicated team of Goan artisans working round the clock to ensure timely completion.

The tableau’s music has been composed by Dr. Saish Deshpande, costumes designed by Mrs. Sangeeta Khedekar, and the folk dance segment presented by the group represented by Mr. Dinesh Priolkar. Steel fabrication and sculptures were executed by Goan craftsmen under the overall guidance of Shri Sushant Khedekar.

The Goa tableau is displayed under the auspices of the Department of Information and Publicity. In addition, the State has set up a tourism pavilion and a Goan cuisine food stall under the Department of Tourism to promote Goa at the national level.

Bharat Parv, held annually in New Delhi since 2016, features a food festival, handicrafts mela, folk and tribal dance performances, cultural troupes, and illumination of the Red Fort.

Events in Goa

Festa do Povo Returns to Panaji with Goan Cuisine, Music and Community Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Traditional flavours, lively music and community spirit will take centre stage as the third edition of Festa do Povo returns to Panaji on January 24 and 25 at the mangrove-lined pedestrian spine at Patto Plaza.

Designed as a people’s festival — “of the people, by the people, and for the people” — Festa do Povo celebrates Goa’s culture, environment, heritage and camaraderie through food, music and shared experiences. The two-day event brings together local home chefs and established city restaurants, offering an exciting culinary journey that reflects Goa’s rich food traditions alongside international flavours prepared by accredited Goan chefs.

Adding to the festive experience will be a dedicated Feni Bridge Bar and beverage stations highlighting local drinks and spirits, reinforcing the festival’s focus on celebrating Goa’s identity and produce.

Music and cultural performances form the heart of Festa do Povo, with a vibrant line-up that includes the Kids Choir (Choir of Angels), a celebrated brass band, a jazz band, and headline performances by popular bands Purple Rain Band and Forefront Band. Visitors will also witness traditional cultural displays such as a temple drum medley synonymous with Shigmo, the graceful Divli (lamp) dance, and captivating performances by the Vyomi Dance Troupe and Samba dancers.

By blending cuisine, music and community, Festa do Povo continues to strengthen Panaji’s cultural fabric, offering residents and visitors a space to come together, celebrate Goa’s living heritage and experience the city through the warmth of its people.

Social

Madganvcho Awaaz Launches ‘Asmitai Vars’ to Mark 60 Years of the Historic Opinion Poll

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao; January 2026: Madganvcho Awaaz has launched ‘Asmitai Vars’, a year-long series of activities to commemorate 60 years of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967, a defining moment that shaped Goa’s political, cultural and linguistic identity.


Senior advocate, former Margao MLA and Opinion Poll movement stalwart Adv. Uday Bhembre unveiled the initiative and described it as timely and meaningful, noting that while large sums are often spent on short-lived events, initiatives such as Asmitai Vars create lasting milestones for future generations. Youth leader Prabhav Naik and social worker Dattaraj Pai Fondekar were present on the occasion.
Expressing pride in continuing the legacy of the Opinion Poll movement, Prabhav Naik said he was honoured to carry forward the contributions of his great-grandfather Narcinva Naik and grandfather Anant alias Babu Naik, both of whom played key roles in the historic movement. He added that Madganvcho Awaaz remains committed to honouring eminent Goans who have worked to safeguard Goa’s identity, language and culture.
As part of the launch, Madganvcho Awaaz honoured living stalwarts of the Opinion Poll movement by visiting their residences and presenting them with mementoes, shawls and bouquets as a mark of respect and gratitude. Those honoured included Adv. Uday Bhembre, Prof. Shyam Verencar, Smriti Audi, Aruna Telang, N. Shivdas, Sadanand Kanekar and Tomazinho Cardozo, who played significant roles in the movement that determined Goa’s future.
The honoured stalwarts appreciated the efforts of Madganvcho Awaaz in remembering the architects of the Opinion Poll and expressed confidence that Asmitai Vars would inspire the younger generation to understand, value and protect Goa’s unique identity and heritage.

Events in Goa

‘Festa do Povo’ Returns to Panaji for Third Edition of Community-Led Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Festa do Povo, which translates to ‘Festival of the People’, returns to Panaji this January for its third edition, reaffirming its vision of creating shared civic spaces rooted in community participation. Scheduled for January 24 and 25, the festival will unfold along the mangrove-lined pedestrian spine at Patto Plaza, bringing together residents, artists, performers, and food curators to celebrate the city’s culture, heritage, and everyday life.

Conceived around the principle of being of the people, by the people, and for the people, Festa do Povo is a community-led initiative supported by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji. Since its inception in 2023, residents from several city wards—particularly those living in Panaji’s historic neighbourhoods—have played an active role in shaping the festival’s planning and programming.

The two-day festival celebrates Panaji as a nearly 200-year-old city, drawing inspiration from its neighbourhoods, people, and the quiet social bonds that define everyday life. Through music, dance, food, storytelling, and interactive spaces, Festa do Povo reimagines the city as a common civic space where everyone belongs.

The programme will feature a diverse range of performances spread across both days, including a temple drum medley associated with Shigmo, lamp dance, brass band performances, jazz, Bharatnatyam, children’s choir presentations, band performances, dancers, and educational trails. An art corner and a dedicated children’s zone will ensure that the festival remains inclusive and engaging for all age groups.

Food plays a central role in the celebration, with stalls curated by established city restaurants as well as home chefs, offering visitors a taste of Goa’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.

Adding to the festival’s intimate and reflective character, informal storytelling sessions inspired by Goa’s folklore will take place across different corners of the venue, set against the serene mangrove backdrop of Patto Plaza.

Conceived as an open celebration of life in the city, Festa do Povo is free and open to all, with no entry fee, inviting everyone to come together, slow down, and rediscover Panaji through the lens of community, culture, and shared belonging.