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.
~ The students engaged with Goa’s rich history through the Aguad Interactive Museum and explored the historic jail cells.
Panaji, June 2025: On Goa Revolution Day, 188 school students from across the state visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim, getting a firsthand look at a slice of the state’s history. Accompanied by teachers, parents and guides, they joined locals and tourists in marking the day at the former prison that once held freedom fighters during Goa’s liberation movement.
The historic venue had offered free entry for bonafide Goan residents to visit and honour the state’s freedom fighters who were once imprisoned at Aguada prison, now a popular, restored heritage site that is home to the Aguad Interactive Museum (AIM).
In all, 43 students accompanied by two teachers from Dr K B Hedgewar High School in Bambolim, 122 students and 10 teachers from Hedgewar Primary and High School in Assonora and 23 students, one tour guide and 10 teachers and parents from Vidya Prabodhini Primary School in Alto Porvorim, visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex on the occasion of the historic day.
“Today, Aguad stands proudly as a diverse historical and cultural hub deeply rooted in Goan identity. It represents the unique cultural legacy of Goa and preserves the legacy of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated at Aguad, providing a memorable experience for all who visit. Students, in particular, can enrich themselves with factually accurate knowledge about Goa’s freedom struggle and learn more about the stellar participants of the movement,” says Savio Mathias, The Aguad Port and Jail Complex’s vice president, Operations and Business Development.
The students engaged with Goa’s history through the interactive museum’s touch screens, informative displays and immersive installations. They had the opportunity to walk through the historic jail cells that once held Goa’s freedom fighters. In the Core Block of the complex, the students solemnly observed the engraved names of those freedom fighters who had been imprisoned at the jail during the state’s liberation movement, a reminder of their sacrifices.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A shining testament to heritage, unity, and resilience, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated 45 years of promoting Goemkarponn (Goan identity and culture) in Australia with a magnificent Sapphire Dinner Dance held at the elegant Glen Eira Council Hall Auditorium.
The event not only commemorated a significant milestone in GOAV’s journey but also served as a vibrant reunion of generations of Goans living in Victoria, united in their love for their roots.
As guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of sherry, setting the tone for an evening steeped in warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. The sapphire-blue theme radiated throughout the auditorium—from decor to attire—creating a refined and visually cohesive experience.
The energy soared as ‘Colors’, a well-known 7-piece live band, took the stage and electrified the room with their vibrant music. The dance floor remained packed until past 11 PM, with spontaneous encores and a crowd-favorite saxophonist joining guests for an unforgettable moment of dance-floor revelry.
Guests indulged in a beautifully curated menu, beginning with entrée platters featuring crispy calamari and other favourites, followed by a lavish buffet dinner expertly catered by Silver Platter. The cuisine reflected both refinement and comfort, complementing the evening’s upscale yet community-rooted tone.
A sparkling blue photo corner allowed attendees to snap keepsake photos with friends and family. The night was further enlivened with raffle and door prizes, ranging from gourmet food hampers and fine wines and spirits to the coveted grand prize—a brand-new air fryer.
In her heartfelt address, GOAV President Annabel Henriques reflected on the community’s journey:
“We are proud to have brought the community together for such a memorable night. As we celebrate 45 years, we also celebrate the blessings symbolised by the sapphire—beauty, wealth, and divine favour.”
She extended her gratitude to the Glen Eira Council, all event sponsors, attendees, and especially the GOAV committee and their partners, whose dedication ensured the evening’s success.
What began in 1979 as a community initiative has grown into a cultural institution for Goans in Victoria. This 45th anniversary event was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of GOAV’s mission: to preserve Goan traditions, support cultural expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging among Goans in the diaspora.
With this milestone, GOAV not only honours its rich past but confidently looks toward a future of continued cultural enrichment, youth engagement, and communal solidarity.
The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Goan cultural organisations. For over four decades, it has hosted social, cultural, and charitable events that celebrate Goan heritage and foster connections within the broader Indian and multicultural Australian communities.
Panjim, Goa – 24th May 2025 The Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, music, food and cultural unity as it hosted the first-ever Marius Fernandes Day, an event that will go down as a landmark moment in Goa’s cultural calendar. This groundbreaking celebration was held in conjunction with the Purumentachem Fest – Goa’s traditional Festival of Provisions – marking the onset of the monsoon season with flavor, festivity, and deep-rooted community spirit.
The historic day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, joined by Festakar Marius Fernandes, cultural supporter Maria Goretti Fernandes, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, cultural activists Dominic D’Souza and Luciano Almeida. The moment set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with innovation and celebration with heartfelt recognition.
Culture came alive on stage as the festivities opened with a captivating ponti dance by students of Goa College of Home Science with Rajwi Naik and group, bringing a splash of color and rhythm to the stage. This was followed by the unique cultural segment titled “Balcãoacheo Gozalli” – an intergenerational Goan dialogue moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and enriched by the insights of historian Prajal Shankardande and academic Dr. Glenis Mendonca. The conversation touched on topics of identity, community memory and the changing face of Goan traditions.
Honoring Festakar as a Cultural Warrior, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, in a deeply symbolic gesture, felicitated Marius Fernandes with a one-of-a-kind memento – a slate inscribed with recognition of 24th May to be observed as Festacar Marius Fernandes Day annually, for his 101 inclusive, community-driven festivals, Known for reinventing the concept of festivals by removing alcohol, chief guests, sponsors, competitions and barriers to participation, Fernandes has become synonymous with the spirit of inclusive celebration.
In an emotional highlight, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas was awarded a symbolic Doctorate of Community Service by the Goencho Festakar team. The honour recognized her selfless voluntary work across three years, contributing tirelessly to cultural research, education and community outreach. The recognition was met with a standing ovation.
A workshop was held on medicinal herbal tea, locally known as khodo, usually drunk as remedy for colds and fevers by Samita Sameer kolvalkar.
A Dazzling Cultural Programme unfolded as the afternoon unfolded, the campus echoed with music, laughter, and applause. The ever-energetic young Barretto brothers, Abner 8 years of age and Asher 6 years of age, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of Goan classics and contemporary tunes, accompanied by the soulful guitar of Dr. Glenis Mendonca, vocals by Renald Mendonca and harmonies from Linda Braganza and John Lino. It was an electrifying reminder that Goa’s youth are not only preserving tradition but reimagining it.
The symbolic anthem of Festacar Marius Fernandes Festam, the iconic Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Festacar Marius Fernandes, in Succorro, was a most awaited and the participants were the guests, vendors, disabled community, choreographed and led by Gwendolyn De Ornelas, all enjoyed and felt a sense of Goa of yesteryears.
Food, Flavors and Festive Nostalgia as No Goan celebration is complete without food and the Purumentachem Fest brought the soul of Goan kitchens to the college grounds. An array of stalls featured monsoon staples like dried fish, pickles, homemade sweets, local spices, and chillies. From sorpotel to prawns molho , the aroma of traditional dishes drew students, faculty and guests to sample and reminisce. Local artisans and vendors proudly showcased their wares, rekindling the spirit of old village markets and encouraging sustainable, local economies.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose as the celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about forging a way forward. The day stood as a model of how educational institutions can partner with grassroots cultural innovators to keep traditions alive while engaging the next generation. The festival emphasized inclusion, environmental sensitivity and local pride—principles central to Marius Fernandes’ philosophy.
As Marius Fernandes Day concluded amid cheers, hugs, and hopeful eyes, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of a new tradition. One that honours Goa’s diverse heritage, celebrates ordinary heroes and plants seeds for stronger, more connected communities.
