Tag: Heritage First Goa

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.

Films

Goa to Spotlight Its Soul Through Cinema at Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Cinema is about storytelling, and on September 28, 2025, Goa will tell its story through 13 compelling films and documentaries at the Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival. Organized by non-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG) in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and Goa Tourism, the one-day festival will be hosted at the ESG auditorium in Panaji as part of the state’s extended World Tourism Day celebrations.

The festival brings together a curated selection of films created by Goan filmmakers, each reflecting the intricate connections between Goa’s cultural heritage, its natural environment, and the sense of belonging rooted in its land. Titles like Bread & Belonging, Islands on the Island, The Birdman of Chorao, Kharvan, I Am Nothing, and Caazu promise to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue through cinematic expression. These narratives will be brought to life not only through the screen but also via panel discussions and live interactions with the filmmakers themselves.

According to Heta Pandit, Director of Heritage First Goa, the festival is a way to deepen the understanding of Goa beyond its party and beach image. “Goa gets lakhs of tourists every year. We want to highlight that Goa is more than just a commodity — it is fragile, layered, and deserving of respect,” she said. Filmmaker Gasper De Souza believes the festival will give younger voices an important platform, while Sonia Filinto, director of Bread & Belonging, emphasizes the need for conversations that bring together people who care about Goa’s future.

The Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival offers a unique blend of storytelling, reflection, and community engagement. Tickets are priced affordably at ₹250 for general admission and ₹150 for students, with a flexible ‘pay as you like’ option to encourage wider participation and support for HFG’s future initiatives.

As part of World Tourism Day, this film festival is not just an event—it is a call to view Goa with fresh eyes and to preserve what makes it truly Goan.