Tag: Indian Culture

Special Occasion

Mahashivratri 2026: A Night of Awakening, Surrender and Inner Transformation

Tanisha Cardozo

Mahashivratri 2026 will be observed from Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 5:04 pm until Monday, 16 February 2026 at 5:34 pm. Known as the Great Night of Shiva, the festival is one of the most spiritually profound observances in the Hindu calendar, inviting devotees to move beyond ritual and enter a space of reflection and inner awakening.

While temples will resonate with chants, bells and devotional songs, the true essence of Mahashivratri lies in silence and surrender. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it is a practice of discipline and self-control. Staying awake through the night symbolises heightened awareness — a conscious effort to rise above ignorance and negativity. The offerings of water, milk and bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga represent purification, humility and devotion.

Spiritually, the night is believed to carry powerful energies that support meditation and clarity of thought. Lord Shiva, often depicted in deep meditation atop Mount Kailash, embodies stillness amidst chaos. His symbolism teaches detachment from ego, balance between strength and compassion, and the courage to destroy what no longer serves us in order to create anew.

Mahashivratri also represents union — the coming together of Shiva and Parvati — signifying harmony between masculine and feminine energies, action and reflection, power and grace. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the festival offers a rare invitation to pause, look inward and reconnect with purpose.

As the sacred hours unfold from 15 to 16 February 2026, devotees across India and around the world will gather in prayer. Yet the deeper celebration happens quietly within — in moments of introspection, forgiveness and resolve. Mahashivratri is ultimately a reminder that transformation does not begin outside; it begins within, in stillness, faith and awareness.

National

Goa Tableau Showcased at Bharat Parv 2026 in New Delhi

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The Goa State tableau on the theme “Swatantrata Ka Mantra – Vande Mataram” is being displayed at Bharat Parv 2026, a flagship annual cultural event organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The event is open to the public from January 26 to January 31, 2026, at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort, New Delhi.


The tableau is being showcased at Bharat Parv as part of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Defence and the State Government for the selection of State and UT tableaux for the Republic Day Parade from 2024 to 2026. Under the same MoU, the Goa State tableau was presented at the Republic Day cultural pageantry at Kartavya Path in 2025.

Bharat Parv celebrates the spirit of Unity in Diversity and serves as a platform to showcase India’s rich cultural, artistic, culinary, and spiritual heritage, while fostering patriotic fervour among citizens.

The Goa tableau vividly portrays the State’s freedom struggle, featuring the contribution of satyagrahis, the historic Aguada Jail (now Fort Aguada Jail Museum), the Ashok Stambh with a larger-than-life statue of Bharat Mata symbolising complete freedom, and the statue of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, who played a key role in igniting the Goan liberation movement. The tableau is further enlivened by the vibrant Ghode Modni, a traditional Goan warrior folk dance.

Renowned artist Shri Sushant Khedekar from Ponda conceptualised, designed, and fabricated the tableau. The design was selected by a State-level Selection Committee headed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The fabrication was carried out at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp near Delhi Cantt, with a dedicated team of Goan artisans working round the clock to ensure timely completion.

The tableau’s music has been composed by Dr. Saish Deshpande, costumes designed by Mrs. Sangeeta Khedekar, and the folk dance segment presented by the group represented by Mr. Dinesh Priolkar. Steel fabrication and sculptures were executed by Goan craftsmen under the overall guidance of Shri Sushant Khedekar.

The Goa tableau is displayed under the auspices of the Department of Information and Publicity. In addition, the State has set up a tourism pavilion and a Goan cuisine food stall under the Department of Tourism to promote Goa at the national level.

Bharat Parv, held annually in New Delhi since 2016, features a food festival, handicrafts mela, folk and tribal dance performances, cultural troupes, and illumination of the Red Fort.

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

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.

Human Interest

Griha Mahanand Paryekar Shines with Second Prize at National Bharatnatyam Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Sattari’s very own Miss Griha Mahanand Paryekar, daughter of Shri Mahanand Paryekar (RFO) and Adv. Smt. Sharmila Paryekar from Honda, has achieved national recognition by securing the Second Prize in the National Level Bharatnatyam Solo Dance Competition (Senior Category) at the Goa Cultural Carnival Season 2.

The prestigious event, organized by Nritharchana in association with the All India Dancers Association, brought together talented dancers from across the country to celebrate the beauty of Indian classical dance. Amidst fierce competition, Griha’s performance stood out for its grace, precision, and expressive storytelling—hallmarks of the Bharatnatyam tradition.

Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, passion, and years of disciplined training. Beyond the stage, this milestone also highlights the growing cultural prominence of Sattari and the rich artistic spirit thriving in Goa’s heartland.

Family, friends, and the local community have expressed immense pride in her accomplishment, seeing her as a beacon of inspiration for young dancers pursuing excellence in classical arts. With this recognition, Griha continues to carry forward the legacy of Indian classical dance, representing Goa on a national platform with poise and brilliance.