Tag: Panaji Events

Events in Goa

Curtain Raiser Unveils GOAPEX 2025 – Philatelic Exhibition to Celebrate Goa’s Cultural Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Posts, Goa Postal Division, held a vibrant curtain raiser ceremony at Tapal Bhavan, Panaji, setting the stage for GOAPEX 2025, the upcoming district-level philatelic exhibition. Scheduled to be held on 28th and 29th November 2025 at the Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panaji, the event promises to celebrate Goa’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of philately.

The event’s highlight was the official unveiling of the GOAPEX 2025 logo by Ramesh P. Patil, Director, Postal Services, Goa Region, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion. The logo, themed around “Goa – Gateway of Culture”, reflects the state’s vibrant traditions and its historical role as a cultural crossroads.

In his address, Mr. Patil emphasized the enduring educational value of philately, particularly in shaping young minds through knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride. He encouraged philatelists of all ages to actively participate in the exhibition, highlighting the platform as a celebration of both history and imagination.

Adding to the moment of pride, Stuti Laxmikant Naik, a Class 7 student from Shree Mahalasa Narayani High School in Verna, was felicitated for designing the winning logo. Her creative work was selected through a competition organized by the Department.

The department also released the Prospectus of GOAPEX 2025, outlining participation guidelines, exhibit categories, and event highlights. Additionally, the first GOAPEX Bulletin was unveiled—an exclusive collector’s edition that includes a Logo Postcard (Mint) and a World Tourism Day Picture Postcard (Cancelled). Priced at Rs. 350, the Bulletin will be available at the Panaji Head Post Office.

The ceremony was attended by philatelists, students, and postal staff, including Anurag Nikhare, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Goa Division, and Aslesh Kamat, President of the Goa Philately and Numismatics Society.

GOAPEX 2025 is set to be more than an exhibition—it will be a cultural homage through stamps, narratives, and youth creativity. Stay tuned as Panaji becomes the hub of philatelic passion this November.

Events in Goa

19th PRCI Global Communication Conclave Inaugurated in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The 19th edition of the PRCI Global Communication Conclave was inaugurated in Panaji by Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, alongside Union Minister of State for Power Shri Shripad Naik. The event, themed “Power of PR – Emerging Waves of Communication,” brought together top minds from the public relations and communication sectors to discuss how the role of PR is expanding in today’s digital-first, rapidly evolving world.

Organized by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), the two-day conclave aims to foster knowledge-sharing and spotlight emerging trends in communication. Chairman Emeritus MB Jayaram, Goa Chapter Chairman Shri Deepak Narvekar, and several key dignitaries were present to lend their insights and lend weight to the growing importance of strategic communication in governance, business, and public life.

This year’s conclave was held in association with Rockcity Nidhi, Trichy, and Kosol Energie, Ahmedabad—organizations committed to community engagement and sustainable development. The event served as a convergence point for communication professionals, students, and stakeholders from across the country, offering an opportunity to explore the transformative potential of public relations in a media ecosystem defined by innovation, ethics, and influence.

From panel discussions to keynote speeches, the conclave addressed how communication strategies are adapting to contemporary challenges and opportunities. The presence of leaders from both government and corporate sectors underscored a growing recognition of the power of communication in shaping not just brands, but public perception and policy discourse.

With an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and ethical communication, the 19th PRCI Global Communication Conclave reaffirmed PRCI’s role as a leading platform for advancing the future of communication in India.

#food

Restaurants at the Heart of Goa’s Tourism Push, Says Minister at NRAI Summit 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s culinary prowess took centre stage at the inaugural NRAI Indian Restaurant Summit 2025, hosted for the first time in the coastal state at Dona Paula. In a powerful keynote address, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte described the restaurant industry as the “economic backbone” of the state’s tourism economy and an essential pillar of its regenerative tourism model. The three-day summit, themed ‘Serving The Future’, brought together more than 2,500 delegates, 60+ speakers, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners from across India and abroad.

Minister Khaunte emphasized that Goa is actively repositioning itself as a destination that goes “beyond beaches,” embracing culture, heritage, adventure, and sustainability. He underscored that regenerative tourism in Goa is built on four pillars — people, community, economy, and environment — and that food is central to this journey. At the summit, the minister also felicitated iconic Goan food institutions such as Longuinhos, Café Central, Café Tato, Mr Baker, Sher e Punjab, Jila Bakery, Goenchin, and Titos, as well as legendary chefs including Urbano Rego and the late Caridade Alfonso.

Organized by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the summit featured panel discussions and workshops highlighting the transition of Goa from a nightlife-centric beach destination to a serious global culinary hub. Topics included regional cuisine, cocktail culture, the evolution of café life, and the emergence of Indian cities as global food destinations. Global and national culinary icons including Roni Mazumdar, AD Singh, Ashneer Grover, Riyaaz Amlani, Ashish Tulsian, Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, and Vicky Ratnani brought international insight to the event.

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate was also in attendance, showing support for the evolving role of food in Goa’s socio-economic development. NRAI Goa Chapter head Prahlad Sukhtankar noted that Goa’s offline restaurant industry now accounts for 55% of the sector — far ahead of the national average of 43% — a sign of stronger compliance, structure, and long-term growth potential.

By honouring local cuisine and encouraging innovation rooted in tradition, the summit reaffirmed that for Goa, food is not just about dining — it is about culture, community, and sustainable economic empowerment.

Events in Goa

Sushant Chimulkar Wins 1st GUJ Solo Singing Competition 2025

allycaralgoa

Panaji, August 16, 2025 – The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) hosted the first edition of its Solo Singing Competition at the GUJ hall, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji. The event brought together 16 participants from across media houses in Goa, competing in two categories – Competitive and Non-Competitive.

In the Competitive category, Sushant Chimulkar of The Navhind Times secured the first prize for his rendition of ‘Dekho veer jawanon’. The second place went to Kishor Naik Gaonkar (Gaonkari) for ‘Chodo kal ki baatein’, while Swapnil Tari (Prudent Media) won third place with ‘O desh mere’. Consolation prizes were awarded to Krantiraj Samrat (Lokmat), Krishna Divkar (Goa Times – The Times of India), and Aniruddha Raul (Navprabha).

In the Non-competitive category, Rajtilak Naik (The Times of India) clinched the top prize for his performance of ‘Sandese aate hain’. Hemant Parab (The Navhind Times) was honoured with the Jury Award for his soulful rendition of ‘Teri mitti mein mil jawa’.

The Best Female Singer Award went to Pradnya Rane (Doordarshan) for ‘Mile sur mera tumhara’ and Gauree Malkarnekar (The Times of India) for ‘Sundor Tum Goa’.

The event was judged by renowned tabla player and former HoD of the Faculty of Indian Music and Dance, Kala Academy, Premanand Amonkar, along with noted vocalist and Kala Academy faculty, Sachin Teli.

GUJ President Rajtilak Naik welcomed the gathering and introduced the judges, while GUJ General Secretary Vasudev Pagi compered the event and proposed the vote of thanks.

The competition highlighted the rich cultural talent within Goa’s journalistic fraternity, blending art with the spirit of camaraderie.

Events in Goa

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Film Legends, Music & Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.

Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).

The festival’s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.

Celebrating Young Talent – 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners

Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:

  • Best Film (First Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (Second Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.

Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community

Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goa’s creative spirit.

📍 Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa
📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025
🎟️ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers