Tag: GoanCulture

Events in Goa

Raising Light 2025: Goa’s Beloved Charity Gala Returns to Celebrate Giving and Community

Tanisha Cardozo

The sixth edition of Goa’s much-loved charity celebration, Raising Light 2025, will be held on November 5 at Bottle Bay, Baga, promising an unforgettable evening where music, fashion, and compassion come together to celebrate the spirit of giving.

For years, this vibrant initiative by Ninil D’Souza has united people under the Goan sky to share kindness and illuminate lives through the power of community. What began as a small gathering has evolved into one of Goa’s most anticipated charity galas, turning philanthropy into a celebration of joy and generosity.

This year’s theme, “Illuminating Lives with Every Flame,” captures the essence of Raising Light — where every gesture of giving holds meaning. The event will feature a charity fashion show, gala dinner, cocktails, and live entertainment, bringing together entrepreneurs, Rotarians, artists, and changemakers who believe in celebrating life through compassion.

Dr. Parag Sawant, Monty Sally, COMO, and Pallav Ojha will collaborate to present spectacular fashion segments, with 45 participants walking the runway. Proceeds from the evening will support the National Association for the Blind (NAB), which empowers individuals with visual impairments through education and inclusion.

Adding new depth this year, the Raising Light Awards will recognise organisations and individuals making a meaningful difference in Goa. Each awardee will receive ₹50,000 sponsored by philanthropist Francis Viegas to further their social missions. Honourees include the National Association for the Blind (NAB), Our Lady of Boa Viagem (Old Age Home), Matruchhaya Trust, ASRO-Tivim, and AASTHA-Mapusa.

Speaking about the initiative, Ninil D’Souza said, “Raising Light has always been about people coming together and making a real difference. Every year, the circle of light grows stronger.”

The event will also feature short films highlighting stories of courage and compassion, offering guests a glimpse into the lives transformed by these organisations. From empowering the visually impaired to providing shelter and care for children and the elderly, each story embodies the power of community and love.

As the evening unfolds at Bottle Bay, Raising Light 2025 will once again remind Goa that generosity is the brightest light of all — a light that continues to grow with every heart that gives.

EduConnect

Vividha HSS Amona Wins First Place in All Goa Inter HSS Ghumat Aarti Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Vividha Higher Secondary School, Amona, proudly clinched the first position in the All Goa Inter Higher Secondary Ghumat Aarti Competition held on 9th September 2025 at Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji. The competition was hosted by V Dempo HSS, Cujira, and brought together talented student groups from across the state in a celebration of Goan cultural heritage and traditional music.

RMS HSS, Margao, secured the second position, while Shantadurga HSS, Bicholim, took the third place. The panel also awarded consolation prizes to P. Walawalkar HSS, Mapusa, and PES HSS, Ponda, for their spirited performances.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, who appreciated the participants for upholding Goa’s cultural roots. He was joined by Mrs. Maya Sardessai, Principal of Dempo HSS; Mr. Chetan Kavlekar, Organising Secretary; and PTA President Rajendra Verleka.

The competition served not only as a platform to showcase young talent but also to keep the essence of Ghumat Aarti alive among the youth. It highlighted the importance of cultural education and community celebration in Goa’s academic and social landscape.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Events in Goa

Tradition Afloat: Sangod Utsav Celebrated with Grandeur at Golwada, Cumbarjua

Tanisha Cardozo

Cumbarjua, Goa – The serene backwaters of Golwada came alive today with color, music, and culture as the triennial Sangod Utsav was celebrated in all its traditional glory. Held on the fifth day of Ganesh Chaturthi, this unique event is a cultural hallmark of the region — showcasing Goa’s age-old tradition of floating processions.

The festival was graced by Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, who was the Chief Guest, and attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including:

  • Shri Nitin Raikar, Director of Fire and Emergency Services
  • Shri Gaurav Kudchadkar, CSR Head
  • Shri Sachin Gaude, Sarpanch of Cumbarjua
  • Shri Sudhir Phadte, Deputy Sarpanch
  • Panch Members: Shri Nandakumar Shet, Smt. Vinda Joshi, Smt. Sejal Narvekar, and Shri Anuj Naik
  • Shri Rajendra Chodankar, President of Mahadev Saunsthan
  • Shri Vijaynand Phadte, President of Sarvajanik Saraswati Mandal
  • Shri Shivaji Shet, President of Shantadurga Kumbarjuvekarin Devastha

The Sangod Utsav is marked by creatively decorated boats or ‘sangods’, carrying vibrant tableaux that depict mythological and cultural themes. As they glide down the water, accompanied by music and cheers, they capture the imagination of all onlookers — young and old alike.

Speaking at the event, MLA Shri Rajesh Faldessai expressed his pride in preserving Goan heritage and traditions. In a generous gesture of support, he sponsored the prize money for participating groups:

  • 🥇 ₹25,000 – First Prize
  • 🥈 ₹20,000 – Second Prize
  • 🥉 ₹15,000 – Third Prize
  • 🎖️ ₹10,000 each – All other participating groups

“This celebration is not just about entertainment,” he remarked, “but about sustaining our identity, honoring our traditions, and keeping our youth connected to their roots.”

The event drew large crowds from surrounding areas, with safety and organizational measures handled efficiently by the local panchayat and volunteers.

As the boats floated gently under the setting sun, Sangod Utsav once again reminded everyone of Goa’s rich tapestry of tradition, unity, and cultural pride — truly a celebration that floats both on water and in the hearts of the people.

EduConnect

Sarvodaya High School Wins 2nd Prize and Best Ghumat Title at All Goa Ghumat Aarti Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Sarvodaya High School achieved a significant milestone by securing the 2nd Prize at the All Goa Ghumat Aarti Competition held at Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Mandal’s Higher Secondary School, Vazangal Shiroda. In addition to this remarkable feat, the school’s team was also honoured with the coveted title of Best Ghumat, a testament to their dedication, coordination, and cultural spirit.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from schools across Goa, each bringing forward their traditional talent in the form of rhythmic Ghumat Aarti performances — a vibrant expression of Goan heritage. Sarvodaya High School’s team stood out for their musical precision, cultural authenticity, and stage presence, earning them appreciation from judges and the audience alike.

This recognition not only celebrates the musical skills of the students but also reinforces the school’s commitment to preserving and promoting local art forms and traditions.

International

Leicester Goans Rock the Ekvottachem Fest: A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 23, 2025, Leicester came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Goa. The Ekvottachem Fest, meaning “Festival of Unity”, made its debut in the UK city, bringing together hundreds of Goans for a joyous celebration of heritage and community.

Organised by Festacar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-led events, the festival marked his third event in Leicester and his 103rd people’s festival globally, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping Goan culture alive beyond borders.

The day kicked off with Fr. John Tavares lighting the ceremonial lamp, a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and shared culture. The crowd then welcomed the exciting launch of Salcette Beatz, a dynamic band of young Goan musicians from Leicester, setting the tone with infectious rhythms that blended tradition and youth energy.

Festival curator Marius Fernandes led a unique Pasoi — a traditional walk where he engaged the audience with vibrant stories of Goa’s past. Highlighting instruments like the Ghumot, he brought to life the forgotten narratives that define Goan identity.

This wasn’t just a stroll — it was a walk through memory lane.

The cultural stage lit up with performances that tugged at the heartstrings of every Goan in attendance. The Kottiacho Nach, a traditional dance using coconut shells, mesmerized the crowd with its rhythm and grace.

Local chefs and home cooks served homemade Goan food, including a hands-on workshop on Atol, a traditional Goan sweet that had both young and old rolling their sleeves up.

The energy peaked when Manjit Singh, Leicester’s very own Guinness World Record holder, performed his iconic stunt — lifting a 50-kilo weight with his ears. The crowd gasped, cheered, and celebrated this fusion of strength, identity, and performance art.

The Ekvottachem Fest wasn’t just another cultural event — it was a reminder of what happens when community comes together with pride, passion, and purpose.

As Goans danced, ate, and celebrated together thousands of miles from home, the message was clear:
Unity lives on, wherever the heart of Goa beats.