The Goa Sand Art Festival (GSAF) is set to return to Miramar Beach this November, after receiving the green light from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). Scheduled from November 14 to 30, the two-week event will be a free-to-view cultural festival that blends creativity, education, and environmental awareness in one of Goa’s most iconic coastal locations.
The festival, organised by Sand Cult, will occupy approximately 15,000 square feet of beach space, where visitors can experience live sand sculpting displays, interactive workshops for students and local artists, and school engagement programs aimed at promoting Goa’s sustainable development goals.
The event proposal, first submitted in July, offered two formats—a short-term free festival and a six-month paid exhibition. After careful review, the GCZMA opted for the short-term model, citing its limited ecological footprint and easier logistical management. The decision was based on compliance with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, as well as detailed considerations of waste management, temporary structures, and crowd control.
Importantly, the GCZMA has stated that no permanent structures will be allowed at the venue, though temporary tents may be set up for the duration. Strict adherence to environmental safeguards and continuous maintenance of beach cleanliness have been mandated throughout the event.
The festival is poised to offer a cultural boost to Goa’s tourism season while also creating employment opportunities for locals and encouraging community involvement in sustainable coastal development. With its unique blend of artistic expression and environmental responsibility, the Goa Sand Art Festival promises to be a standout event on the state’s cultural calendar.
