Tag: Margao

Events in Goa

Grand Curtain Raiser in Porvorim Sets the Stage for Goa Carnaval 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The much-awaited Goa Carnaval 2026 commenced on a vibrant note this evening with a spectacular curtain raiser held at Porvorim, setting the tone for five days of colour, music and celebration across the State. The enthusiastic gathering of residents, artists and visitors transformed the town into a lively canvas of Goan culture and festive cheer.

The parade was flagged off by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte in the presence of Hon’ble Chairman GTDC Kedar J Naik, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Managing Director GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar and other senior officials. The evening underscored a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and the Porvorim Carnaval Committee to deliver a celebration rooted in heritage and responsibility.

A defining highlight of the evening was the ceremonial proclamation by King Momo, Shri Cedric Da Costa, who led the procession in a traditional bullock cart, invoking the spirit of unity, joy and responsible celebration. The revival of this earlier custom paid homage to the legacy of musician Timoteo Fernandes, who played a pivotal role in reintroducing Carnaval in 1965 and popularising the arrival of King Momo in this distinctive manner.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots while ensuring that the younger generation experiences the festival in its authentic form. He also highlighted that this year’s curtain raiser was consciously organised with certain route restrictions in place due to traffic regulations, ensuring respect for commuters and residents. Notably, the celebration avoided large mechanised floats and fuel-driven vehicles, reflecting a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach.

Chairman GTDC Shri Kedar J Naik described Carnaval as a reflection of Goa’s unique cultural journey shaped by centuries of rich traditions and global influences. He noted that the festival brings together communities across faiths and regions, showcasing Goa’s vibrant artistic expression through music, dance and creative performances.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik remarked that the curtain raiser in Porvorim set the rhythm for the grand festivities that will unfold across the State. The evening featured enthusiastic participation from local cultural groups, with performances that filled the air with rhythm, colour and excitement.

The celebration now moves to Panaji on February 14 for the grand float parade, followed by festivities in Margao on February 15, Vasco da Gama on February 16 and Mapusa and Morjim on February 17. As celebrations unfold across these towns, Goa stands poised to experience one of its most cherished cultural festivals in full splendour, blending nostalgia, sustainability and collective joy.

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Madganvcho Awaaz Launches ‘Asmitai Vars’ to Mark 60 Years of the Historic Opinion Poll

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao; January 2026: Madganvcho Awaaz has launched ‘Asmitai Vars’, a year-long series of activities to commemorate 60 years of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967, a defining moment that shaped Goa’s political, cultural and linguistic identity.


Senior advocate, former Margao MLA and Opinion Poll movement stalwart Adv. Uday Bhembre unveiled the initiative and described it as timely and meaningful, noting that while large sums are often spent on short-lived events, initiatives such as Asmitai Vars create lasting milestones for future generations. Youth leader Prabhav Naik and social worker Dattaraj Pai Fondekar were present on the occasion.
Expressing pride in continuing the legacy of the Opinion Poll movement, Prabhav Naik said he was honoured to carry forward the contributions of his great-grandfather Narcinva Naik and grandfather Anant alias Babu Naik, both of whom played key roles in the historic movement. He added that Madganvcho Awaaz remains committed to honouring eminent Goans who have worked to safeguard Goa’s identity, language and culture.
As part of the launch, Madganvcho Awaaz honoured living stalwarts of the Opinion Poll movement by visiting their residences and presenting them with mementoes, shawls and bouquets as a mark of respect and gratitude. Those honoured included Adv. Uday Bhembre, Prof. Shyam Verencar, Smriti Audi, Aruna Telang, N. Shivdas, Sadanand Kanekar and Tomazinho Cardozo, who played significant roles in the movement that determined Goa’s future.
The honoured stalwarts appreciated the efforts of Madganvcho Awaaz in remembering the architects of the Opinion Poll and expressed confidence that Asmitai Vars would inspire the younger generation to understand, value and protect Goa’s unique identity and heritage.

EduConnect

Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Concludes with Call to Nurture Young Knowledge Creators

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The two-day Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 – “Taare Zameen Par” concluded on Saturday evening at Samrat Garden, Margao, reinforcing the message that India’s future depends on empowering students to become creators of knowledge rather than mere consumers of technology.

Organised by the Board of Innovative Education (BIE), Goa, in collaboration with A.J. Academy for Research and Development, the fair was held on January 9 and 10 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students representing 10 schools. A total of 54 research-based projects were presented across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, in both individual and group categories. The event attracted more than 500 student visitors, along with researchers, academicians, parents, science activists and members of the public, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of scientific exchange.

The concluding ceremony was graced by Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, Director (Headquarters), CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh emphasised that while India imports a large amount of technology, the country has immense potential to generate its own solutions. He urged students to move beyond the narrow pursuit of monetary success and focus instead on knowledge creation. Praising the quality of projects on display, he said the research showcased at the fair offered strong hope for the future of Indian science.

Earlier, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J. Academy for Research and Development, highlighted how the science fair had instilled confidence in students, enabling them to present ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to questions. He stressed the importance of collaboration between parents, institutions and students in nurturing innovation and guiding young talent towards meaningful futures.

The welcome address was delivered by Mrs Meenaz Bhanu, Secretary of the Board of Innovative Education. Dr Waliur Rahman was felicitated for receiving the prestigious Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award, India’s highest science honour, conferred by the President of India for outstanding contributions to scientific research. In his presidential address, Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education, reminded the audience that scientific inventions must be used for societal development and problem-solving rather than destruction.

Projects were evaluated by an expert panel of judges from diverse scientific backgrounds. Several awards were presented across categories and age groups, recognising originality, research depth and practical relevance. From local composting methods and natural water purifiers to studies on microplastics, soil erosion, renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the projects reflected strong scientific inquiry and social awareness.

The fair concluded with the distribution of mementos to participating schools, felicitation of judges and guests, presentation of awards, and the National Anthem. The Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 stood out for its emphasis on independent research, collaboration and innovation, laying a strong foundation for future scientists, researchers and problem-solvers in the state.

Events in Goa

CM Sawant Urges Goa’s Youth to Follow Sant Muktabai’s Values at Margao’s Dindi Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing devotees during Margao’s Dindi Festival, called upon the young generation of Goa to imbibe and live by the values of Sant Muktabai, known for her teachings of humility, devotion, and selflessness.

Dr. Sawant observed that despite the challenges of today’s digital era, the large turnout of youth at the festival reflected Goa’s deep spiritual roots and its continued reverence for traditional values. He emphasized that devotion to Lord Vittal of Pandharpur is not confined to Maharashtra alone, as Goa too has a vibrant community of followers who express their faith through cultural and devotional celebrations such as the Dindi.

The Chief Minister further assured that his government would extend every possible support required for the smooth organization and promotion of the festival, recognizing it as an integral part of the state’s spiritual and cultural identity.

The Dindi Festival in Margao, celebrated with traditional bhajans, processions, and devotional gatherings, continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s shared heritage and the enduring legacy of saints like Sant Muktabai, who inspired generations to live a life of compassion and devotion.

EduConnect

PhysicsWallah (PW) Opens Info Centres in Panaji and Margao for JEE & NEET Counselling

Tanisha Cardozo

Education company PhysicsWallah (PW) has expanded its offline presence in Goa with the opening of new PW Info Centres in Panaji and Margao. The initiative aims to provide local students with access to quality counselling and guidance for JEE and NEET preparation.

The new facilities, located at Patto Plaza in Panjim and The Osia Mall in Margao, will operate daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. These centres serve as a one-stop destination for information related to admissions, registration, and financial aid for PW courses. Students can also receive personalised counselling, including study strategies, exam tips, and guidance on the right academic path.

According to Ankit Gupta, CEO of Vidyapeeth Offline, PhysicsWallah, “The opening of the PW Info Centres in Panaji and Margao reflects our commitment to providing students in this region with access to educational guidance without needing to travel far. We plan to integrate the Info Centres with new Vidyapeeth centres in the same area soon.”

The launch comes alongside PW’s National Scholarship Cum Admission Test (PWNSAT 2025), an initiative to support NEET-UG and IIT-JEE aspirants from diverse financial backgrounds. The free exam, open to students from Class V to XII, will be held both online and offline.

The new Info Centres are expected to benefit students from regions such as Porvorim, Bambolim, Mapusa, Valpoi, Vasco, Quepem, and Canacona, ensuring that quality academic counselling is accessible throughout Goa.

Through this expansion, PhysicsWallah continues to strengthen its mission of making high-quality education accessible, affordable, and inclusive across India.