Tag: Heritage Conservation

Events in Goa

Heritage First Festival 2025 Begins, Showcasing Goa’s Cultural Richness Through 41 Walks & Workshops

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Panaji, November 2025: The second edition of the Heritage First Festival, a flagship initiative by the not-for-profit collective Heritage First Goa (HFG), commenced on November 14 at Panaji’s Azad Maidan, setting in motion a vibrant three-week exploration of Goa’s living, built and natural heritage.

The festival’s inauguration brought together seasoned resource persons, affectionately called “pilots,” who will lead 41 expert-curated walks and workshops across Goa. These experiences aim to help residents and visitors rediscover the layered histories, cultural stories, ecosystems and architectural marvels that define Goa.

Stories, Memories and Reflections at the Inaugural

The opening ceremony featured insightful reflections from senior journalist and author Sandesh Prabhudesai, historian and academic Dr. Maria Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues, and writer Shylendra Mehta—each offering glimpses of Panaji’s past and its cultural evolution.

Rodrigues shared vivid memories of the Central Library as a hub of learning and community interaction, noting how the city’s urban design drew from Lisbon-style planning with squares, promenade spaces and evocatively named streets.

Prabhudesai stressed the importance of linguistic heritage, delivering his speech in Konkani. He recalled the powerful role of spaces around Azad Maidan—like Café Prakash and Varsha Bookstore—as incubators for discussions, debates and public movements that shaped Goa’s civic landscape.

Mehta, a long-time Panaji resident, reflected on the life of the common man in earlier decades and concluded with a poetic tribute to the Mandovi River by Pandurang Bhangi.

Walks and Workshops Across Goa

The festival’s programming delves deep into Goa’s cultural and ecological diversity through curated experiences led by experts such as:

  • Subodh Kerkar: Art and heritage walks
  • Kilian Hughes: Environmental and nature trails
  • Katrina Fernandez: Ecological explorations
  • Pritha Sardessai: Architectural trails

Participants can choose from trails such as:

  • Khazan ecosystem walk in Chorao
  • Village walk in Saligao
  • Chicalim caves walk
  • São Jacinto river island walk
  • Night trails through Panaji

Hands-on workshops further bring culture to life, including:

  • Kaavi art sessions by Darpana Athale
  • Kunbi weave sessions with Mahalaxmi Bhobe
  • A community kitchen experience in Chorao led by Amreen Sheikh
  • A poetry walk through Parra’s fields with Meera Ganpathi
  • Petroglyph workshop at Usgalimal by Onkar Kshirsagar

Community, Collaboration & Cultural Preservation

Founded by heritage advocates Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija, and Snigdha Manchanda, Heritage First Goa continues its mission to highlight stories, influences and traditions that have shaped Goa’s identity over centuries.

“It’s encouraging to see people of all ages come forward to experience aspects of Goa’s heritage that may even surprise long-time residents,” said HFG co-founder Heta Pandit. “This festival is about sparking curiosity about our collective past and using that awareness to preserve it.”

A unique element this year is the community adoption model where participants and local patrons sponsor individual heritage walks—strengthening grassroots involvement and sustaining festival operations.

Each walk or workshop is capped at small group sizes to ensure meaningful engagement and protect heritage spaces. Tickets are priced at ₹750 per session, with advance registration mandatory.

With immersive storytelling, expert-led explorations and hands-on cultural experiences, the Heritage First Festival 2025 promises to take Goa on an unforgettable journey through its layered history and vibrant cultural fabric.

Events in Goa

Heritage First Festival Returns with 41 Walks and Workshops to Celebrate Goa’s Living Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s living heritage once again takes centre stage as the Heritage First Festival returns for its second edition, promising to spotlight the cultural, ecological and historical wealth of the state. Organised by the not-for-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG) — founded by heritage advocates Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija, and Snigdha Manchanda — the festival will be held from November 14 to December 7, 2025 and will feature 41 walks and workshops spread across three weeks.

From the tranquil villages and khazan lands to the city streets and coastal landscapes, this edition of the festival explores Goa’s multifaceted heritage through immersive experiences. Participants will have the chance to embark on a village walk in Saligao with Subodh Kerkar, dive into the biodiversity of Chorao’s mangroves and otter habitats with Kilian Hughes and Katrina Fernandez, explore prehistoric caves in Chicalim with Cyril Fernandes, or discover Panaji’s nocturnal charm through a night walk guided by Pritha Sardessai.

Beyond the walks, the festival’s workshops will offer deeper engagement with Goa’s art and craft traditions. Attendees can learn the intricacies of Kaavi art with Darpana Athale, explore the textures and heritage of the Kunbi saree weave with Mahalaxmi Bhobe, join a poetry walk with Meera Ganpathi across the scenic fields of Parra, build a sand dune on Miramar’s beach alongside Dr Antonio Mascarenhas and Gabriella D’Cruz, or enjoy community kitchen experiences in Chorao led by Amreen Sheikh.

“Goa has so much to offer in terms of heritage and culture, which people are still not aware of beyond their own local boundaries. In this second edition of the festival, we aim to throw a spotlight on these gems and educate the general public as there is yet so much of our heritage which is yet unknown to us, especially the younger generation. We hope that through the walks and workshops people are able to understand, connect and in turn preserve the heritage of the state,” says Heta Pandit of Heritage First Goa.

The festival also opens the door for individuals and businesses to play a role in heritage preservation by adopting a walk through modest contributions, helping sustain the operational costs and supporting the cause in a tangible way.

Registration for each event is mandatory, with limited slots available to ensure meaningful engagement. Tickets are priced at ₹750 per event, and attendees are encouraged to pre-book their slots to be part of this journey that celebrates Goa’s living legacy.

Human Interest

Maharaja Padmanabh Singh: Where Royalty Meets Modern Influence

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Crowned at just 12, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur stands as a remarkable figure where India’s royal past meets global modernity. Born in 1998 to Princess Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh, he descends from the illustrious Jaipur royal family, whose lineage traces back centuries. While royal titles hold only ceremonial value in modern India, Padmanabh has given new life to his family’s legacy through his ventures in sport, heritage, and fashion.

Educated at Mayo College, Millfield School in England, and later in Rome, Padmanabh developed an international perspective early on. His passion for polo, a Jaipur royal tradition, has taken him to global tournaments, including representing India at prestigious events such as Hurlingham in England. His athletic discipline and charisma have made him a familiar name both on and off the field.

Beyond the polo grounds, Padmanabh Singh has captured the imagination of fashion and luxury circles worldwide. He has modeled for global brands, graced international magazine covers, and carved a niche as a symbol of Indian elegance in contemporary style. Yet, he remains deeply rooted in Jaipur, actively promoting heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural awareness.

With family assets reportedly valued at around ₹20,000 crore, including the iconic Rambagh Palace, City Palace, and other heritage properties, his influence extends into hospitality and cultural entrepreneurship. His mission reflects a modern take on royalty — one that honors history while embracing progress, innovation, and inclusivity.

Padmanabh Singh continues to balance global visibility with local responsibility, ensuring that Jaipur’s royal legacy thrives in the 21st century. Whether on horseback in a polo match, attending an international gala, or restoring heritage landmarks, the young Maharaja embodies the spirit of modern Indian nobility — regal, responsible, and forward-looking.

Business

Mrs Sangita Jindal Conferred France’s Prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment of pride for India’s arts and heritage community, Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, has been awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. The honour was presented by the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, at a private ceremony at Mrs Jindal’s residence in Mumbai on September 25, 2025.

This recognition acknowledges Mrs Jindal’s exceptional contribution to the preservation and promotion of art, culture, and heritage in India, as well as her dedication to building meaningful Indo-French cultural collaborations. As the head of the JSW Foundation, she has integrated cultural engagement into the very fabric of the Foundation’s mission, transforming heritage conservation and the cultural landscape of India with deep vision and commitment.

Mrs Jindal has notably fostered artistic exchanges between India and France through initiatives like the artist residencies at Hampi Art Labs. In 2024, she collaborated with France during the Paris Olympic Games to highlight the intersection of art and sport, and later this year, she will participate in the exhibition “Textile Matters” at the Mobilier National in Paris.

Presenting the honour, Ambassador Thierry Mathou said, “Through her passion, vision and generosity, Mrs Jindal has profoundly enriched the cultural landscape of India and brought our two countries closer together. This decoration reflects France’s deep gratitude and admiration for her achievements and her commitment to building cultural bridges.”

Mrs Jindal accepted the award with humility, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from France. It reaffirms my commitment to safeguarding India’s heritage while fostering meaningful cultural bridges between our two nations. Heritage is a living resource that connects generations, and I remain dedicated to ensuring it continues to inspire the future.”

Beyond this accolade, Mrs Jindal’s work speaks for itself. Her leadership has guided the restoration of iconic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue, and the Sassoon Library in Mumbai. She has been instrumental in launching cultural platforms such as Art India magazine and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and in creating spaces for dialogue through exhibitions like “Woven Narratives” during India’s G20 Presidency. She is also supporting the establishment of a museum in Assam dedicated to regional crafts.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of the highest French honours in the realm of arts and literature, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, or to the promotion of culture in France and around the world. Previous Indian recipients of this honour include Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Bharti Kher.

With this recognition, Mrs Sangita Jindal joins an illustrious list of global cultural leaders. Her vision continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers who see culture not as legacy alone, but as a living force that shapes the future.

National

Delhi’s Toxic Air is Turning Red Fort Black: Study Raises Alarm

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Severe air pollution in India’s capital, Delhi, is now leaving a visible scar on one of its most treasured monuments — the Red Fort.

A recent study, published in the open-access scientific journal Heritage, has revealed the formation of “black crusts” on the fort’s red sandstone walls. Conducted between 2021 and 2023 by researchers from India and Italy, the study examined air quality data and samples scraped from the monument.

The findings show that particulate matter — PM2.5 and PM10 — along with other pollutants, are chemically reacting with the fort’s stone surface, creating dark deposits ranging from 0.05mm to 0.5mm in thickness. Over time, these crusts are not only discoloring the walls but also damaging intricate carvings, vaults, arches, and other architectural elements.

Conservation experts fear this could mirror the fate of the Taj Mahal, which has turned yellow and greenish-brown due to pollution. In fact, the Supreme Court had earlier urged urgent steps to protect the Taj.

The Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, holds immense historical significance. From being the site where India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag in 1947 to serving as the backdrop for Independence Day speeches, it is both a heritage icon and a living symbol of India’s history.

The study warns that the formation of black crusts is a progressive phenomenon — initially removable, but harder to treat as they deepen. Researchers recommend preventive conservation strategies, including the application of protective stone sealants in highly affected areas, along with urgent steps to reduce pollution.

As Delhi continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities, this latest evidence underscores not just an environmental crisis, but also a looming cultural tragedy. Without immediate intervention, the city risks losing the vibrant red glow of its Red Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the nation’s greatest treasures.