Events in Goa

Entertainment Society of Goa Invites Entries for Statewide Aakash Kandil Competition at IFFI 2025


The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), in collaboration with the Government of Goa, has announced the much-awaited Aakash Kandil (lantern-making) competition as part of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025).

This annual celebration of light, art, and community encourages Goans to express their creativity through traditional and modern lantern designs โ€” a visual representation of Goaโ€™s vibrant culture and artistic legacy.

โœจ Competition Highlights:

  • Participation: Open to all residents of Goa
  • Entry Limit: A total of 600 entries, with a cap of 50 entries per Taluka, accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Participation Reward: Every participant will receive โ‚น500 as a token of appreciation.
  • Submission Deadline: 18th November 2025 (by 5 PM)
  • Submission Venue: ESG Office, between 10 AM โ€“ 12:30 PM on 20th November.

For registration, participants can contact Neelai Naik at 7350019149.

๐ŸŒฟ Environmentally Friendly Theme

Participants are encouraged to craft their Aakash Kandils using eco-friendly materials, avoiding thermocol, to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. ESG will provide holders, bulbs, and electrical connections for display.

๐Ÿ† Judging & Rewards

A distinguished panel of judges will select three winners from each Taluka, who will receive the following prizes:

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ First Prize: โ‚น5000
  • ๐Ÿฅˆ Second Prize: โ‚น3000
  • ๐Ÿฅ‰ Third Prize: โ‚น2000

All decisions by the judges will be final and binding.

๐Ÿ’ซ A Celebration of Creativity and Culture

The competition aims to foster artistic talent and community pride, illuminating the streets of Goa with handcrafted brilliance during IFFI 2025. Beyond the festive glow, the initiative stands as a tribute to Goan craftsmanship, cultural unity, and sustainable creativity.

As IFFI 2025 approaches, ESG invites everyone across the state to participate, create, and celebrate โ€” turning Goa into a vibrant canvas of light and imagination.

๐Ÿ“ For more details, visit allycaral.com
#IFFI2025 #IFFIGoa #ESG #AakashKandil #GoaCulture #FestivalOfLights #ConnectingGlobal #Allycaral

Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goaโ€™s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goaโ€™s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festivalโ€™s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFIโ€™s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festivalโ€™s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains Indiaโ€™s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision โ€” one that extends the festivalโ€™s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.

Events in Goa

Last Call! Submit Your Film for the Special Goan Section at #IFFI2025 Today!


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The countdown ends today! October 30, 2025, marks the final day to submit your film for the Special Goan Section at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, taking place in Goa. This exclusive section celebrates Goan filmmakers and the vibrant stories born from the stateโ€™s rich culture and cinematic spirit.

IFFI, organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and the Government of India, remains one of the most prestigious platforms for filmmakers across the world. The Special Goan Section is dedicated to showcasing local talent and promoting films that capture Goaโ€™s unique identity โ€” from its scenic beauty and cultural diversity to its evolving creative voice.

This opportunity allows filmmakers to present their work to an international audience of directors, producers, and cinephiles who gather each year to celebrate cinema in all its forms. Selected films often gain significant exposure and open doors to new collaborations and festival circuits.

If youโ€™re a Goan filmmaker or have created a film with a Goan connection, this is your moment to step into the spotlight. Submit your entry today and become part of Indiaโ€™s most anticipated film festival. Your story deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated. Donโ€™t wait โ€” the curtain rises soon.

Entertainment

Lights. Camera. Your Story.Indian Panorama at 56th IFFI Now Open for Submissions! ๐ŸŽฌ


The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) invites passionate storytellers and visionary filmmakers to submit their work to the Indian Panorama, the countryโ€™s premier film showcase for cinematic excellence.

With no entry fee and no barriers to access, this yearโ€™s Indian Panorama selection truly opens its arms to creative minds from every corner of India.

Whatโ€™s Indian Panorama?
Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with NFDC, the Indian Panorama selects the finest feature and non-feature films from across India to be screened at IFFI Goa โ€” one of Asiaโ€™s most prestigious film festivals.

Who Can Apply?
Whether you are a debut filmmaker, indie artist, or seasoned director โ€” if youโ€™ve got a story that deserves the screen, this platform is yours.

Key Highlights

  • No Entry Fee
  • Open to Feature & Non-Feature Films
  • National Recognition and International Visibility
  • Films selected will be showcased during IFFI in Goa

Deadline to Submit: 11th August 2025
Submit at:
๐ŸŒ nfdcindia.com
๐ŸŒ iffigoa.org

So bring your lens, your heart, and your story โ€” the silver screen awaits.

#IFFI2025 #IndianPanorama #FilmFestivalIndia #NFDC #IFFIGoa #StorytellersWanted #Allycaral