Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral
Margao, January 23, 2026: The Margao Cricket Club at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium came alive on Thursday evening as the Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 commenced, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural traditions. The festival brings together authentic flavours, traditional art forms and contemporary performances, offering a shared cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte; Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat; Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kedar J. Naik; MLA of Navelim Constituency Ulhas Tuenkar; Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Damodar Shirodkar; Director of Tourism Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, along with other dignitaries.
The occasion also saw the felicitation of prominent local personalities including Shubham Naik, Nilesh Shirodkar, Harish Deulker, Sudha Kudalkar and Vishwas Chari for their notable contributions to the fields of cuisine, art and culture.
Addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said that this was the second Food and Cultural Festival being organised in Margao and highlighted Goa’s diverse culinary traditions. He noted that from North to South Goa, travellers can experience a wide range of flavours, making the State a unique destination for food lovers.
He further stated that Goa, as a creative capital, could also be regarded as a culinary capital due to the richness of its cuisine. Emphasising the State’s focus on regenerative tourism, he said that all stalls at the festival are operated by Goans, including self-help groups offering home-made products. He added that the festival also provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talent, ensuring inclusivity and community participation.
PWD Minister and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat observed that tourism continues to play a vital role in Goa’s economic growth and said that festivals such as the Goa Food & Cultural Festival add vibrancy to the State’s tourism calendar and contribute to increased visitor footfall.
GTDC Chairman Kedar J. Naik recalled earlier editions of the festival and stated that it continues to benefit self-help groups and local communities by offering a platform to showcase authentic Goan delicacies while preserving cultural traditions. He also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for folk dancers and musicians.
MLA Ulhas Tuenkar said that the festival is organised with the objective of strengthening local livelihoods, with the majority of stalls run by Goans and self-help groups, enabling them to earn through their skills while celebrating Goa’s food and culture.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik described the festival as a celebration of flavours, traditions and the vibrant spirit of Goa, and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making the event a success. He invited residents and visitors to experience the festivities over the coming days.
The opening day featured cultural performances by the Kanta Gaude Troupe, followed by live performances by Anson, Chelsea & Jeliska Trio, Sonia Shirsat with her Band, and LYNX, setting an energetic tone for the festival.
Alongside cultural performances, the festival features a wide range of stalls offering authentic Goan cuisine, traditional delicacies, local crafts and handmade products, providing valuable exposure to local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026, part of the Department of Tourism’s ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative, will continue until January 25, 2026, with a diverse line-up of cultural programmes and culinary showcases planned over the next two days.
