Tag: Goan heritage

Human Interest

A Life Remembered: Panjim Gathers to Honour the Legacy of Late Senhor Zito de Ornelas Rodrigues Gomes

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

An atmosphere of remembrance, music and heartfelt tributes filled the St Inez Church Hall in Panjim as friends, admirers and family gathered on December 15 to honour the life and legacy of late Senhor Zito de Ornelas Rodrigues Gomes, a pioneering figure in Goan music and a respected public servant. Deeply rooted in Loutolim and a long-time resident of Panjim, Senhor Zito was remembered as a true son of Goa whose life seamlessly blended artistry, service and community spirit.

The month’s Mass was presided over by Fr Derrick Xavier Fernandes, Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Church, Pilerne, followed by the blessing of the grave. The condolence gathering was hosted by Clube Marius Festacar and brought together eminent speakers, artists and well-wishers for an evening of reflection and gratitude.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat coordinated the programme, warmly welcoming those present and setting the tone for the evening. In a deeply personal conversation, he engaged with Festakar Marius Fernandes, a close friend and long-time cultural collaborator of Senhor Zito, who spoke movingly about his early passion for music and his role as a trailblazer in post-colonial Goa.

Marius recalled how Senhor Zito founded Goa’s first band after the Portuguese era, the four-member ensemble Tuna Los Coimbranos, which performed in elite clubs across Goa. Named after the University of Coimbra in Lisbon, the band blended Goan, Portuguese and South American influences, leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s musical landscape. His visits to Mormugao Harbour to listen to musicians from visiting cruise liners and his lifelong admiration for legendary Portuguese fado singer Amália Rodrigues deeply shaped his musical sensibilities.

Beyond music, Senhor Zito served with quiet dedication in the Goa Government Secretariat, contributing to the formulation of the Tenants and Mundkar Acts — landmark legislations that continue to shape Goan society. Former colleague Olinda Fernandes spoke of his sincerity, discipline and unwavering commitment to public service.

In the 1970s, Senhor Zito worked with the Public Works Department in Qatar before returning to Goa with his wife, Professor Fatima Lucia, where both remained deeply involved in community and cultural life. Former Director of Information Gurunath Pai reflected on their long friendship, remembering Zito as a man of grace and humility whose presence united people through kindness, music and laughter.

His legacy continues through his daughter, Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, a respected publisher and curator who carries forward his creative spirit and commitment to cultural preservation.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Dominic D’Souza, President of Clube Marius Festacar, followed by a moment of silence and a gentle musical interlude — a fitting tribute to a life lived as a symphony of service, artistry and love for Goa.

Books & Literature

Parra’s First-Ever Book Chronicles the Soul of a Quintessential Goan Village

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Parra, the quaint and age-old village located just outside Mapusa in North Goa, will soon see its story preserved in print with the release of Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village, the first book dedicated entirely to the village. Authored by Cosme Lobo, a former English and Mathematics teacher and a well-known local resident, the book is an attempt to record the memories, traditions and cultural identity of Parra at a time when the countryside is rapidly changing.

Through its winding lanes, age-old fields and lived experiences, the book takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Parra. Lobo revisits the village’s heritage, traditional lifestyles and landmarks that shaped its identity over generations. He presents a concise history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three original aldeias collectively known in the past by the acronym ‘PVC’.

Highlighting the spirit of religious harmony, the author writes about the earliest place of worship known as the ‘Deusan’, where people of different faiths continue to gather in reverence of the lord of all creation. He also documents a small dome-shaped chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, believed to have once been devoted to Brahmadevi Khelbika Laxmi Mata. Despite changes in religious affiliation over time, the site remains a shared space of prayer for both Hindus and Christians.

The book walks readers through Parra’s temples, chapels and the St Anne’s Church, which continue to be central to village life. It pays tribute to the hardworking farmers for whom Parra has long been synonymous with its famous watermelons, while also recalling the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians, sports personalities, freedom fighters and community leaders who shaped the village’s destiny.

In more recent times, Parra has gained widespread recognition for its iconic Madanni road lined with coconut palms, now a popular spot for photography. At the end of this road stands the church, often compared to Rome’s Sistine Chapel for its painted ceiling and fresco-lined corridors. The village is also home to one of Goa’s earliest English medium schools, Sacred Heart School, founded in 1912, along with institutions such as the Comunidade, which played a vital role in cooperative farming, planned water bodies and flood prevention through carefully constructed bunds and lanes.

Lobo also documents Parra’s religious institutions, including temples dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, Sateri Verlekarin Devi, Shree Nagnath Mahadev Prasanna, Shree Vishwati Vishweshwar Shivshankar and Shree Varad Siddhivinayak Mandir, the latter being well known for its Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival. Cultural traditions such as the singing of Moteti during Lent, Saint John’s festivities marked by well-jumping and gumot playing, and weddings once held under mollam pandals are vividly recalled.

The book also shines a light on present-day trendsetters from Parra, including coconut shell artists, a reviver of the mollam craft, a Hollywood actor and a young woman aircraft pilot. It acknowledges the village’s sporting legacy, noting athletes and players who excelled in football, hockey and athletics, alongside the contributions of freedom fighters and political leaders.

Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village will be released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. The foreword is written by Parra parish priest Fr Pedro da Gama, who appreciates Lobo’s dedication to documenting the village’s legacy. The book is published by Goa,1556, marking an important milestone in preserving Parra’s cultural memory for future generations.

Goan Personalities

MLA Kedar J. Naik Appointed Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation

Tanisha Cardozo

Kedar J. Naik, Hon’ble MLA of Saligao, has officially assumed charge as the new Chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). His appointment heralds a new era in Goa’s tourism sector, focusing on Regenerative and Responsible Tourism, community engagement, and sustainable growth.

With extensive administrative experience and a deep understanding of grassroots governance, Shri Naik is expected to strengthen GTDC’s efforts in promoting sustainable tourism infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and developing experiences that preserve Goa’s cultural and natural heritage. His leadership aims to position Goa as a year-round global destination that balances tourism growth with environmental and community welfare.

Speaking on his appointment, Shri Naik said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility and contribute towards shaping Goa’s tourism landscape in line with our vision for Regenerative Tourism. Our focus will be on improving infrastructure, fostering community participation, and developing experiences that preserve Goa’s heritage while creating long-term benefits for our people.”

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, congratulated Shri Naik, stating that under his leadership, GTDC will continue to diversify Goa’s tourism offerings, empower local communities, and enhance the state’s reputation as a model of sustainable tourism. The Director of Tourism also expressed confidence in Shri Naik’s vision and administrative acumen to accelerate Goa’s tourism growth responsibly.

GTDC Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar welcomed Shri Naik and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to innovative tourism experiences, community participation, sustainable infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Shri Kedar J. Naik’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to curating Goa’s cultural, hinterland, and heritage circuits, fostering harmony, hospitality, and long-term sustainable benefits for both visitors and residents. Under his guidance, GTDC is poised to strengthen Goa’s position as a global model for Regenerative and Responsible Tourism.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.

International

Capt. Venzy Viegas Inspires Goans Abroad at World Goa Day 2025 in Kuwait

Tanisha Cardozo

The vibrant Goan community in Kuwait came together in a spirit of unity and pride to celebrate World Goa Day 2025, hosted by the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait. The event showcased Goa’s timeless traditions, music, and cultural diversity, while bringing together Goans from across the region under one banner of shared identity.

Among the special guests was AAP MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, whose presence added significance to the occasion. During his visit, Capt. Viegas, along with Mr. Carmo Santos, President of the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Sanjay Muluka, Charge d’ Affairs and Officiating Ambassador at the Embassy of India in Kuwait. The discussion highlighted the invaluable role of the Goan diaspora in preserving Goa’s heritage, promoting its culture, and contributing to the state’s development from abroad.

Addressing a large gathering of Goans, Capt. Venzy Viegas expressed heartfelt admiration for their unwavering connection to their homeland. He said, “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Goans abroad. I request all Goans in Kuwait and across the world — let’s together preserve Goa’s Asmutai and build a Goa of our dreams for our Fudle Pilge Khatir (future generations).”

He lauded the Goan Cultural Centre–Kuwait for its efforts in keeping the spirit of Goa alive among the diaspora and for uniting Goans on one platform. The event reflected the powerful sense of belonging and pride that binds Goans across borders — a testament to their enduring love for Goa and its cultural essence.

Capt. Viegas also thanked the Goan community in Kuwait for their warmth, hospitality, and dedication to nurturing Goan culture, despite being miles away from their homeland. His message of “One Goa, One People” resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the collective spirit that defines Goans worldwide.

World Goa Day 2025 in Kuwait not only celebrated the state’s rich cultural heritage but also strengthened the bonds of community and identity that make Goa truly special — wherever Goans may be.