Tag: #india

Travel

FLY91 Launches Daily Kochi–Agatti Flights, Plans Expansion to Seven New Regional Stations

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

FLY91 has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands, with bookings now open for travel in both directions. The announcement comes as the regional airline accelerates its network growth, with plans to add seven new stations over the next 90 days as part of a phased expansion strategy.

The new Kochi–Agatti service marks a significant milestone for FLY91, enhancing connectivity between the Indian mainland and Lakshadweep through a key southern gateway. The airline currently operates flights between Agatti and Manohar International Airport in Goa, and the addition of Kochi provides island residents and visitors with greater flexibility, improved access, and more seamless onward connections.

As part of its expansion roadmap, FLY91 will add Kochi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded, and Indore to its network. Once operational, the airline’s footprint will expand to 15 stations, supported by a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. Three additional aircraft are scheduled for induction within the next 45 days, enabling higher frequencies and the introduction of new city pairs while maintaining operational reliability.

The airline’s expansion will roll out in phases beginning in early February with the launch of daily Kochi–Agatti flights. This will be followed by thrice-daily services on the Rajahmundry–Hyderabad and Vijayawada–Hyderabad routes, along with daily flights between Hubballi–Hyderabad and Hubballi–Bengaluru. Subsequent phases will include connections from Nanded to South Goa and Bengaluru, while Indore will be linked to Jalgaon and Hyderabad.

Agatti Island, known for its coral reefs, lagoons, and pristine beaches, is an emerging tourism destination. Improved air connectivity is expected to support sustainable tourism while also easing travel for island residents who depend on limited transport options for education, healthcare, and commerce.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said the daily Kochi–Agatti flights add momentum to regional aviation in India and reaffirm the airline’s commitment to connecting aspirational tier-two and tier-three destinations. He noted that improved regional connectivity will play a key role in unlocking India’s next phase of economic and tourism growth.

Headquartered in Ribandar, Goa, FLY91 currently connects nine destinations and operates from regional hubs including Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru, with a strong focus on underserved regional markets.

Sports

Goan Player Basappa Madar Named in Indian Squad for Inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s veteran cricketer Basappa Madar has been selected to represent India in the inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 28 to February 4. His selection marks a proud moment for Goa, with Abhijit Kadam from Sangli also named in the Indian squad from the West Zone.

The Indian squad has been officially announced by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, marking the launch of the first-ever Asia-level continental championship for cricketers aged 40 years and above. The tournament will feature six Asian nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong — and is being seen as a landmark event for veteran cricket in the country.

Former India international Manpreet Gony has been appointed captain of the Indian team, with Jatin Saxena named vice-captain. The squad has been selected based on performances in recent inter-zonal veteran tournaments, bringing together experienced and consistent performers from across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, Vinod Phadke, President of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association and Secretary of the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, described the tournament as a historic step for the sport. He said the selection of Basappa Madar reflects the depth of talent within Goa and the West Zone and expressed confidence that the Indian team would perform strongly on the Asian stage.

Sudesh Prabhudesai, Secretary of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association, also welcomed the development, stating that it was encouraging to see a Goan player gain international exposure through veteran cricket. He added that the association’s sustained efforts and competitive leagues have helped provide players with the right platform to progress to higher levels.

Expressing his happiness, Basappa Madar said that representing India at an international veterans’ tournament was a dream come true and that he was proud to take Goa’s name onto the Asian stage. Abhijit Kadam echoed similar sentiments, calling the selection a great honour and a responsibility he looked forward to embracing.

The Asian Legends Cup 2026 is expected to give veteran cricket a new dimension, offering seasoned players the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level while celebrating the passion, experience, and enduring spirit of the game.

Special Occasion

Makar Sankranti: One Festival, Many Names, A Shared Indian Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural traditions and astronomical significance. Observed when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara, the festival marks the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This transition symbolises light over darkness, warmth over cold, and renewal over stagnation, making it a powerful moment of optimism and forward movement.

Unlike many festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle and therefore falls around the same time every year, usually in mid-January. It coincides with the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season, when farmers across India reap the rewards of months of dedication and hard work. At its core, the festival is a heartfelt expression of gratitude—to the Sun, to nature, and to the earth that sustains life.

What makes Makar Sankranti truly unique is its celebration across India under different names, each shaped by local culture, language, and tradition. In Punjab it is celebrated as Lohri, in Gujarat as Uttarayan, in Tamil Nadu as Thai Pongal, in Assam as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, in Maharashtra as Makar Sankranti, and in West Bengal as Poush Sankrant. Across other regions, it is known as Magha Saaji, Khichdi Parv, Uttarayani, Sakraat, Makar Sankramana, Pedda Panduga, Bhogi, and many more. Though the names differ, the essence remains the same—a celebration of harvest, abundance, and new beginnings.

Traditional customs vary from kite flying and bonfires to holy river dips, community feasts, and the sharing of festive foods made from newly harvested crops such as rice, sugarcane, sesame, and jaggery. The exchange of sesame and jaggery sweets symbolises warmth, harmony, and the strengthening of relationships, reflecting the deeper values of togetherness and goodwill.

Beyond rituals and festivities, Makar Sankranti serves as a reminder of balance—between humans and nature, effort and reward, tradition and progress. It encourages people to let go of negativity, embrace positivity, and step confidently into a new phase of life. As the Sun begins its northward journey and days grow longer, the festival invites everyone to rise with hope, renew their purpose, and celebrate the shared cultural spirit that unites India.

Events in Goa

NoMoZo 7.0 Turns Porvorim into a Living Showcase of Sustainable Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was held in Porvorim on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The annual initiative once again demonstrated how reduced vehicular movement, community participation and innovation can reimagine urban living in a more sustainable and inclusive way.

Organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery and MLA of Porvorim, NoMoZo 7.0 brought together citizens, startups, students and institutions on a common platform. GTDC Chairman and MLA Saligao Shri Kedar J. Naik was also present at the event. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee attended as the Chief Guest, adding further prominence to the occasion.

A key highlight of NoMoZo 7.0 was the strong focus on sustainability and responsible innovation. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, set up an engaging stall that showcased the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. Through informative displays, the stall highlighted responsible travel practices aimed at creating positive social, cultural and environmental impacts while encouraging deeper engagement with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems.

The Tourism Department’s presence also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval and other new tourism offerings, along with a preview of the upcoming Shigmo festival—one of Goa’s most vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. This integrated approach reflected Goa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, culture and community participation, positioning the State as a year-round, experience-driven destination.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and indigenous skills.

Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the heart of NoMoZo 7.0. The Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) curated a dedicated space for startups and student entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge solutions and emerging ideas.

Students participating under the Campus Innovation Scheme presented projects addressing real-world challenges through technology and sustainability. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction, and a sustainability-driven project on processing and testing recyclable materials for 3D printing applications.

From Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, the ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket designed to assist visually impaired individuals with obstacle detection and navigation, while another team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant aimed at providing real-time updates and user support.

Several startups added further depth to the showcase. Sevaco presented a mobile application connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks. Burraa highlighted its Go-Out app that helps users discover and book curated experiences. Asier Solutions showcased STEM skill-building courses, while DigiWiz demonstrated its work in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation.

NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are driving Goa’s growth. The diverse exhibits and strong community participation reinforced the State’s emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and socially responsible solutions—demonstrating that when people reclaim public spaces, meaningful change follows.

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 to Celebrate Nature, Culture and Community at Art Park, Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.

Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.

She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.

Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.

The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.

Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.

The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.

Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.

Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.

Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.