Tag: Panaji

Sports

Sindarov Becomes Youngest FIDE World Cup Champion After Beating Wei Yi in Tiebreak

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Uzbekistan’s rising chess star, 19-year-old Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, scripted a memorable chapter in Panaji by becoming the youngest-ever FIDE World Cup champion after defeating China’s GM Wei Yi in the second rapid game of the tiebreak. Sindarov, who entered the final against an undefeated Wei, held his ground with two quick draws in the classical games before banking on his rapid-play strength to secure the title.

The match saw Wei maintain his trademark solidity, including an early moment in the first tiebreak game where Sindarov briefly had a winning sequence in a bishop-pawn endgame but was unable to convert. However, the second rapid game marked a decisive shift. Sindarov began exerting sustained pressure on Wei’s kingside, gradually tightening the position until his queen pinned the Chinese grandmaster’s king, leaving no room for defense. Wei resigned after the 60th move, handing Sindarov not only the championship but also the honor of becoming the first Uzbek player to win the World Cup and the newly christened Viswanathan Anand Cup, along with a prize purse of $120,000.

Reflecting on his victory, Sindarov shared that his objective was to remain solid regardless of the rapid time control and seize opportunities when they came. He sensed his opponent’s lack of confidence in the second game, even offering a draw that Wei declined in pursuit of a win. With time running out for the Chinese grandmaster, Sindarov’s attack proved decisive. Calling the win just the start of his career, he expressed his ambition to reach the 2750 rating mark and set his sights on future world championships, including the Candidates 2026, for which this event awarded three spots. Sindarov also highlighted his fondness for playing in India, noting that the country has brought him significant success, from winning the Olympiad during his last visit to now claiming the World Cup. He predicted a fierce competitive future between India and Uzbekistan in international chess, as both nations continue to nurture strong emerging talent. This victory marks a new milestone for Sindarov and sets the stage for an exciting next chapter in his chess journey.

Events in Goa

Grand Parade Marks Historic, Carnival-Style Opening of 56th IFFI in Panaji

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Panaji witnessed a historic and spectacular opening to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) as the festival kicked off with its first-ever grand parade on 20 November. In a departure from tradition, IFFI embraced an open, carnival-style inauguration that brought cinema directly to the people.

The parade completely transformed DB Road into a dazzling cultural stretch, as floats from film production houses, state pavilions, animation studios, and performing troupes moved from the Old Goa Medical College building to the Kala Academy. Over two dozen floats participated, including 12 presented by the Goa government, each portraying vibrant themes inspired by India’s cinematic heritage, regional arts, and animation.

One of the most striking segments of the parade was the large-scale folk production “Bharat Ek Soor”, staged by the Central Bureau of Communication under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Featuring more than 100 artists, the performance showcased traditional dance forms from across the country, creating an energetic and culturally rich spectacle.

The appearance of beloved animated characters—including Chhota Bheem, Motu Patlu, and Bittu Bahanebaaz—added a playful and heartwarming element to the parade, drawing cheers from children and adults alike.

The atmosphere throughout Panaji was festive and immersive, reflecting Goa’s iconic carnival spirit. Thousands of locals, tourists, students, and delegates lined the streets to witness the vibrant floats, live music, dance performances, and cultural showcases. What had traditionally been a closed-door opening ceremony became a public celebration, allowing the community to be at the heart of the festival’s excitement.

The grand parade not only set a joyful and inclusive tone for the nine-day film festival but also marked a significant step towards making IFFI more accessible and engaging for all.

Events in Goa

Heritage First Festival 2025 Begins, Showcasing Goa’s Cultural Richness Through 41 Walks & Workshops

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Panaji, November 2025: The second edition of the Heritage First Festival, a flagship initiative by the not-for-profit collective Heritage First Goa (HFG), commenced on November 14 at Panaji’s Azad Maidan, setting in motion a vibrant three-week exploration of Goa’s living, built and natural heritage.

The festival’s inauguration brought together seasoned resource persons, affectionately called “pilots,” who will lead 41 expert-curated walks and workshops across Goa. These experiences aim to help residents and visitors rediscover the layered histories, cultural stories, ecosystems and architectural marvels that define Goa.

Stories, Memories and Reflections at the Inaugural

The opening ceremony featured insightful reflections from senior journalist and author Sandesh Prabhudesai, historian and academic Dr. Maria Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues, and writer Shylendra Mehta—each offering glimpses of Panaji’s past and its cultural evolution.

Rodrigues shared vivid memories of the Central Library as a hub of learning and community interaction, noting how the city’s urban design drew from Lisbon-style planning with squares, promenade spaces and evocatively named streets.

Prabhudesai stressed the importance of linguistic heritage, delivering his speech in Konkani. He recalled the powerful role of spaces around Azad Maidan—like Café Prakash and Varsha Bookstore—as incubators for discussions, debates and public movements that shaped Goa’s civic landscape.

Mehta, a long-time Panaji resident, reflected on the life of the common man in earlier decades and concluded with a poetic tribute to the Mandovi River by Pandurang Bhangi.

Walks and Workshops Across Goa

The festival’s programming delves deep into Goa’s cultural and ecological diversity through curated experiences led by experts such as:

  • Subodh Kerkar: Art and heritage walks
  • Kilian Hughes: Environmental and nature trails
  • Katrina Fernandez: Ecological explorations
  • Pritha Sardessai: Architectural trails

Participants can choose from trails such as:

  • Khazan ecosystem walk in Chorao
  • Village walk in Saligao
  • Chicalim caves walk
  • São Jacinto river island walk
  • Night trails through Panaji

Hands-on workshops further bring culture to life, including:

  • Kaavi art sessions by Darpana Athale
  • Kunbi weave sessions with Mahalaxmi Bhobe
  • A community kitchen experience in Chorao led by Amreen Sheikh
  • A poetry walk through Parra’s fields with Meera Ganpathi
  • Petroglyph workshop at Usgalimal by Onkar Kshirsagar

Community, Collaboration & Cultural Preservation

Founded by heritage advocates Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija, and Snigdha Manchanda, Heritage First Goa continues its mission to highlight stories, influences and traditions that have shaped Goa’s identity over centuries.

“It’s encouraging to see people of all ages come forward to experience aspects of Goa’s heritage that may even surprise long-time residents,” said HFG co-founder Heta Pandit. “This festival is about sparking curiosity about our collective past and using that awareness to preserve it.”

A unique element this year is the community adoption model where participants and local patrons sponsor individual heritage walks—strengthening grassroots involvement and sustaining festival operations.

Each walk or workshop is capped at small group sizes to ensure meaningful engagement and protect heritage spaces. Tickets are priced at ₹750 per session, with advance registration mandatory.

With immersive storytelling, expert-led explorations and hands-on cultural experiences, the Heritage First Festival 2025 promises to take Goa on an unforgettable journey through its layered history and vibrant cultural fabric.

Events in Goa

Step Into the World of Magical Realism: The Legends of Khasak to Enchant SAF 2025

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Panaji, November 2025: December in Goa is set to bloom with art, performance, and cultural brilliance as the Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) celebrates its landmark 10th edition from December 12–21, 2025. Spread across more than 300,000 square feet of heritage-rich venues, SAF will showcase a decade of artistic innovation through visual arts, theatre, music, design, craft, photography, culinary arts and more.

One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the arrival of the celebrated Malayalam immersive play, The Legends of Khasak, which will run from December 17–20 at 6:30 PM at the SAG Ground, Panaji.

A Landmark Work of Magical Realism

Curated by Anuradha Kapur for the performing arts vertical, the play is based on OV Vijayan’s legendary novel Khasakkinte Itihasam. The adaptation brings to life a young man’s journey into a remote Kerala village as he confronts his past and becomes entangled with the region’s spirits, myths, and living memories.

Running for approximately 200 minutes, the play dissolves the boundaries between the real and the mystical, inviting audiences into an emotionally rich, reflective universe.

An Immersive Sensory Experience

Festival Director Smriti Rajgarhia describes the production as an atmospheric dreamscape.
Performed in an open-air riverside arena, the play uses fire, water, soil, scent, fog, puppetry, masks, and Kerala’s traditional folk arts such as Theyyam to create an eco-theatrical spectacle.
The experience is not just visual—it’s elemental, philosophical, and deeply visceral.

A Powerful Artistic Collaboration

The ambitious production brings together acclaimed theatre artistes including:

  • PC Gopala Krishnan
  • KV Krishnan Mash
  • P. Baskaran Master
  • Kumar Pariyacheri
  • CK Sudheer

Directed by Deepan Sivarman—who also helms dramaturgy and scenography—the performance is complemented by the soulful musical compositions of Chandran Veyyattummal.

Viewers’ Advisory

Some scenes contain ritualistic and intense content, and viewer discretion is advised for very young audiences.

Registrations Now Open

SAF 2025 is a ticketed festival, open to all age groups.
Passes, tickets, workshop details, and performance schedules are now live.

👉 Register here: https://www.serendipityartsfestival.com/register

Celebrate 10 Years of Creativity

Join the celebrations in Panjim, Goa, from December 12–21 and witness the festival that continues to reshape South Asia’s cultural landscape.

Events in Goa

56th IFFI 2025 Showcases Seven Remarkable Debut Masterpieces from India and Around the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 is set to honour emerging voices in world cinema with seven debut masterpieces selected for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award. The prestigious competition aims to promote exceptional new talent and celebrate the creativity of first-time filmmakers who are shaping the future of global storytelling.

The winner of this coveted category will receive the Silver Peacock, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, and a commendation. The selection will be decided by a distinguished jury chaired by celebrated Indian filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, alongside Graeme Clifford (Editor and Director, Australia), Katharina Schüttler (Actor, Germany), Chandran Rutnam (Filmmaker, Sri Lanka), and Remi Adefarasin (Cinematographer, England).

Representing the diversity of global cinema, the seven competing films include five international and two Indian titles.

Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill makes his debut with Fränk, a poignant coming-of-age story that explores fractured families and the healing power of unexpected friendship. Spanish filmmaker Gemma Blasco presents Fury (La Furia), a visceral feminist drama examining trauma, shame, and resilience through the lens of an actress reclaiming her narrative after assault.

From Germany, Christina Tournatzés’ Karla recounts the true story of a 12-year-old girl in 1962 Munich who bravely charges her abusive father — a sensitive portrayal of justice, trauma, and strength told with stunning emotional clarity.

Iranian director Hesam Farahmand’s My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) paints a powerful social portrait of class and dignity through the story of a father who sells his daughter’s hair to buy a laptop, only to uncover deep societal divides.

Mexican filmmaker Ernesto Martínez Bucio’s The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) offers a haunting, surreal narrative about abandoned siblings grappling with isolation and imagination, merging childhood fears with psychological insight.

India’s cinematic talent is proudly represented by two powerful debut features. Tribeni Rai’s Shape of Momo, filmed in Nepali and set in Sikkim, follows a young woman’s quest for agency within a multi-generational household, exploring patriarchy and quiet resistance through lyrical storytelling. Shivraj Waichal’s Ata Thambaycha Naay! (Now, There’s No Stopping!) delivers a heartwarming Marathi-language drama inspired by true events, celebrating resilience and the transformative power of education among Mumbai’s sanitation workers.

Together, these seven films reflect IFFI’s ongoing mission to spotlight the next generation of cinematic storytellers — artists unafraid to confront social realities, reimagine tradition, and redefine what cinema can say. As the festival unfolds, audiences and jurors alike look forward to discovering which debut filmmaker will claim the Silver Peacock and join IFFI’s prestigious lineage of groundbreaking voices in world cinema.