Tag: Goan heritage

EduConnect

‘Cantaram for the Community’: Goan Colleges to Host Vinyl-Powered Musical Heritage Concerts

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji | August 7, 2025:
 In a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s vibrant musical past, Communicare Trust — the Dona Paula-based cultural organisation — is rolling out a special initiative titled ‘Cantaram for the Community’. As part of its 20-year anniversary celebrations, the Trust will host two live campus concerts blending rare archival vinyl recordings and live performances to rekindle student interest in the rich Konkani cantaram tradition.

The first edition will be held on August 8 at Carmel College, Nuvem, and the second on August 12 at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, with both events kicking off at 10:00 am. Entry is free for students, but seats are limited.

Celebrating Forgotten Voices

The concerts will spotlight the songs and stories of iconic Goan composers and singers such as C. Alvares, Joe Rose, Frank Fernand, Ophelia Cabral, and Antonette Mendes — artists whose work defined an era, but who are now often unknown to the younger generation.

The performance will feature the dynamic ensemble Entre Nós, led by musician Omar de Loiola Pereira, with Nadia Rebelo and Ginelle Fernandes on vocals. Their repertoire includes rare compositions and beloved hits, carefully chosen to transport the audience back to Goa’s musical golden age.

Interspersed with these live performances will be curated vinyl sessions by Leaxan Freitas, a passionate record selector and Art Deco researcher. Leaxan’s segments will introduce students not just to vintage audio formats, but also to the history of how Goans once listened to music — from shellac discs and gramophones to the digital age.

More Than Music

To enrich the experience further, the concerts will also include photographs, lyrics, and biographical snippets, making the sessions both musical and educational.

“Many children today have never seen vinyl, tapes or shellac discs. ‘Cantaram for the Community’ aims to show how music and technology evolved while reconnecting youth with Goa’s cultural roots,” said Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Manager at Communicare Trust.

“Many of the original composers are no longer with us, but we’re in touch with their families, who often share lyrics and stories that we incorporate into the concerts to honour their legacy,” she added.

A Cultural Milestone

The initiative is supported by the Maria Crescencia Menezes Memorial Educational Trust, which has played a key role in enabling Communicare’s mission of preserving Goa’s linguistic and cultural heritage over the past two decades.

For two decades, Communicare Trust has championed language learning, cultural revival, and creative education, and this musical outreach is a natural extension of that legacy.

How to Attend

📌 Dates & Venues

  • August 8 – Carmel College, Nuvem (South Goa students)
  • August 12 – St Xavier’s College, Mapusa (North Goa students)

📨 Schools interested in group attendance may write to: communicaretrust@gmail.com
 🎟️ Entry is free, but seats are limited.

Spotlight

Get to Know Vaibhav Salgaonkar, the Illustrator Bringing Goa to Life

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In the narrow lanes of Goa, amidst heritage homes and busy chai stalls, a sketchbook is quietly capturing the rhythm of life—page by page. Behind it is Vaibhav Salgaonkar, a self-taught illustrator, caricaturist, and urban sketcher, better known as Artbybu.

A Journey Beyond the Conventional

While many artists follow traditional art school paths, Vaibhav’s story begins in science labs. A graduate of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, and a Master’s in Biotechnology from Goa University, he always had a pen in hand—even during lectures. Those early doodles soon became award-winning entries at art competitions.

His defining moment arrived with the Inktober challenge, where he committed to a month of daily sketching in black and white. The challenge sharpened his eye for detail and his unique caricature style, later evolving into his signature brand: Artbybu.

Sketching for a Cause

Vaibhav gained attention during the 2020 Mollem movement, when his illustrations became visual protest tools, raising awareness about Goa’s threatened forests. This phase marked a powerful shift from decorative to purposeful art.

From there, his illustrations began chronicling Goan life—its unique homes, daily scenes, and quiet stories. His art soon found a home in pop-up markets, gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Urban Sketching and the Joy of Connection

Joining Urban Sketchers Goa in 2023 opened up new chapters. Vaibhav began sketching live in public spaces—cafés, bus stands, old verandas—capturing life as it unfolded. His urban sketches brim with intimacy: chaiwalas, fish markets, street dogs, and old Portuguese buildings.

He often gifts portraits to strangers he draws—a small act that turns passersby into smiling participants in his journey.

Creative Recharge and Projects Ahead

Though Vaibhav juggles freelance projects, he sees urban sketching as a creative reset. Currently, he’s working on a deeply personal zine on Goa’s iconic Oyster Shell Windows, blending architectural sketches with cultural commentary.

Looking ahead, he hopes to explore animation, mixed media, and eventually host a solo exhibition to celebrate Goa’s layered identity.

A Message to Aspiring Artists

“Start by putting your work out there—even if it’s imperfect. Don’t wait to be ‘ready.’ Rejections will happen—learn from them. Visit exhibitions. Connect. Collaborate. But above all—draw a lot. And keep your humor alive—it’s what makes your style truly yours.”

Through laughter, lines, and ink, Vaibhav Salgaonkar is building a vivid visual archive of Goa—one that celebrates its people, places, and everyday beauty with soul and sketch.

Books & Literature

Ronak Kamat’s I Am Nothing Captures Goa’s Reclusive Artist, Vamona Navelcar

allycaralgoa

By Maryanne De Souza || Team Allycaral

~ 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.

Human Interest

Cuncolim Revolt: Goa’s Forgotten War of Independence in 1583

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The villages of Assolna, Velim, and Cuncolim, famously known as AVC, have a long history of courage. Before the Portuguese ever arrived in Goa, the gauncars of these villages served as respected warriors in Adil Shah’s army. But when the Portuguese began their campaign of conquest and religious conversion, AVC became a stronghold of resistance.

Unlike other parts of Salcette that gave in, the people of AVC refused to surrender. They rebuilt temples after they were destroyed, held rituals in secret, and stood united against outside control. Meetings were held at a central spot in Cuncolim called the mand, where leaders planned their defense.

It was the people of AVC who led ‘A People’s War of Independence’ or an armed action, between the period from 1559 to 1583 and a struggle of non-cooperation with the Portuguese and the church. Continuous struggles were launched to stop the Portuguese attempts to break temples. Unfortunately, this struggle took a very ugly turn on15th July 1583.

Fearing another attack on their temples, villagers rose up and killed five Jesuit priests. This fight resulted in the death of five missionaries, Rodolfo Aquaviva, Afonso Pacheco, António Francisco from Coimbra, Pedro Berno and Francisco Aranha. Three lay people also died with them, namely Alphonso da Costa, Francisco Rodriguez and Domingos Aguiar.

The Portuguese responded with a brutal betrayal, calling the local chieftains for peace talks, only to kill them. The monument inaugurated in November 1999 at the site of the revolt in Tolleiband, Cuncolim mentions the name of 16 tribal chieftains: Jay Naik, Bozno Naik, Emu Naik, Vithoba Naik, Jivlo Naik, Guno Naik, Shabu Naik,Calgo Naik, Polputo Naik, Topi Naik and Shanta Shet among others. Their lands were confiscated, and their bodies never properly buried.

These three villages are not only geographically and historically linked together but are also socio-culturally bound together. It is difficult to write about one village without entering into the socio-cultural history of the other sister villages. A feeling of oneness and a spirit of brotherhood is evident among the people of these villages till today, irrespective of their religion.

Fun Facts:

  •  Many locals still use both their ancestral and Portuguese surnames — like Sawant Mendes!
  •  Village wards still go by names like Naik Vaddo, Porobos Vaddo, and Milleia Vaddo — unchanged for centuries.
  • Forget courts — disputes were settled by the dhazaan, a council of ten elders. The most serious punishment? Getting kicked out of the village!
  • Wards had confres — community loan funds with no interest or collateral. Portuguese officials hated them.
  •  Catholic weddings still include the Ross and Bicareachea jevonn. During the Mell and Sotrios, Catholics and Hindus celebrate side by side — carrying umbrellas, lighting lamps, throwing kumkum and rose petals, even worshipping the idol of Shanta Durga together. A Hindu priest still collects coconuts from Catholic homes in Cuncolim!
  • During both World Wars, the church bells in AVC never stopped — families lost sons, but never their cultural roots. Their pride and traditions still echo through these villages today.

As you enter Cuncolim, a sign reads, “Welcome to Cuncolim, the land of freedom fighters.” The spirit of resistance still lives on. On 27th November 1999, this pride was honoured with the erection of the Chieftains’ Memorial at the site of the 1583 Cuncolim massacre. The revolt led by 16 Chieftains is considered one of India’s earliest uprisings against foreign rule. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was praised for including this historic revolt in Class IX and XI textbooks.

Events in Goa

Goa Tourism to Celebrate São João with the Grand Siolim Boat Festival on 24th June 2025

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Siolim, 18th June, 2025- The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Siolim São João Traditional Boat Festival & Cultural Organisation, is pleased to announce the celebration of Siolim São João 2025 on 24th June 2025. This much-awaited cultural extravaganza will take place in the vibrant riverside village of Siolim, opposite St. Anthony’s Church, and promises an afternoon filled with tradition, colour, and community spirit.

This year’s edition will witness the distinguished presence of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Nilkant Halarnkar, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries; Dr. Ganesh C. Gaonkar, Chairman GTDC; Smt. Delilah Lobo, MLA, Siolim Constituency; Shri Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute Constituency; Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism; Shri Kedar A. Naik, Director of Tourism; and Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC.

Speaking about the event, Director Tourism, Shri Kedar A. Naik, stated, “Siolim São João is not only a celebration of Goa’s vibrant monsoon culture but also a reminder of our deep-rooted traditions that bind communities together. Through such festivals, we aim to encourage community-driven tourism experiences that honour local identity while offering engaging experiences for visitors.”

Rooted in Goan heritage and celebrated with unmatched zeal, the Siolim São João Festival is one of the most distinctive monsoon festivals in the state. This year’s celebration will commence with the grand traditional boat parade, where beautifully decorated floats and participants in festive attire will glide along the waters in a captivating procession that draws thousands of onlookers every year. Goa Tourism will also feature in the Boat parade with a specially designed boat & a monsoon mascot which will be followed by a themed dance performance that has been specially composed for this occasion.

The festivities will also showcase traditional Goan folk dances and live music, bringing together artists and performers from across the state. As part of the cultural traditions, the symbolic leap into wells and streams will be observed with joy, continuing the legacy of São João celebrations in Goa.

Other highlights include the age-old Oze and Dhali traditions, the Kopel competition, and engaging performances that blend the festive spirit with modern vibrancy. This year’s line-up features an energetic performance by the youth band Clay Jars, along with a special musical act by Johnny B Gud with Reza.

The event reaffirms Goa Tourism’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible cultural heritage while offering immersive experiences for both residents and visitors. By spotlighting traditional customs in a festive environment, the celebration aims to bring together communities, create lasting memories, and further reinforce Goa’s position as a cultural tourism destination.

Members of the public, tourists, and culture enthusiasts are warmly invited to be part of this dynamic celebration of tradition and togetherness, set against the scenic backdrop of Siolim’s riverside charm.