Tag: Porvorim

Goan Personalities

Massive Turnout Marks Birthday Celebrations of MLA Rohan Khaunte in Porvorim

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim: A remarkable show of public support marked the birthday celebrations of Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, as thousands gathered at the GCA Ground in Porvorim on February 26, 2026. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of well-wishers, party karyakartas, and citizens, reflecting the Minister’s strong connection with the people.

Long queues were seen from early evening, with supporters patiently waiting to greet the Minister and extend their wishes. The atmosphere remained vibrant and festive, filled with enthusiasm, music, and community participation.

The celebration was attended by several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, BJP State President Damodar Naik, Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and multiple MLAs and senior government officials.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sawant praised Khaunte’s leadership, particularly in strengthening Goa’s tourism sector. He highlighted the steady rise in tourist footfall and the implementation of forward-looking initiatives that align tourism growth with infrastructure development. He also acknowledged the Minister’s contributions to the IT sector, noting increased opportunities for youth and Goa’s positioning as a hub for innovation.

State BJP President Damodar Naik described Khaunte as a dynamic and dedicated leader committed to public welfare.

Expressing gratitude, Khaunte said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and blessings. He thanked the Chief Minister, party leadership, MLAs, workers, and citizens, stating that their encouragement motivates him to continue working towards Goa’s development with greater commitment.

A cake-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of senior leaders, followed by a lively musical evening by Harmony Band. Mimicry artiste D. Satish entertained the audience with performances imitating national leaders, drawing loud applause.

Earlier in the day, a voluntary blood donation camp was organised at the Minister’s office, adding a meaningful dimension of service to the celebrations.

The large turnout at Porvorim stood as a testament to the Minister’s popularity and the trust reposed in his leadership, turning the occasion into a celebration of both governance and grassroots connection.

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.

Events in Goa

People’s Carnival Parade 2026 to Bring Goa’s Carnival Back to Its Roots in Porvorim

allycaralgoa

Porvorim, Goa | February 2, 2026: The Porvorim Carnival Committee has announced the return of the People’s Carnival Parade 2026, a community-led initiative aimed at reviving the original spirit of Goa’s Carnival—where people, culture, and creativity take centre stage over spectacle and commercialisation.

Scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2026, from 3:30 pm onwards, the parade will take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Art Park, Porvorim. Built around the philosophy “No Engines, No Generators, Only Joy,” the event marks a conscious shift towards a walking, dancing, people-powered celebration reminiscent of Carnivals from the past.

Speaking about the vision, Shri Rohan Khaunte said Carnival has traditionally reflected Goa’s social and cultural fabric through satire, music, humour, and collective participation. He noted that increasing motorisation and excessive amplification had diluted its essence and stressed that initiatives like the People’s Carnival Parade are crucial in restoring Carnival’s inclusive, environmentally conscious, and community-driven character.

Representing the organising committee, Reena Fernandes highlighted that the parade is designed as an open platform encouraging citizens, families, institutions, and performers to actively participate rather than remain spectators. Early bird incentives have been introduced to reward participants who creatively revive Carnival traditions through innovation.

Setting a strong precedent, participation in 2026 will be strictly people-powered—no motorised or fuel-driven vehicles, no generators, and no large sound systems. Only acoustic and portable music will be allowed, encouraging storytelling, costumes, live music, dance, and movement.

Committee member Abigail D’Mello, overseeing participation and rules, emphasised that removing engines, noise, and commercial floats allows genuine interaction and cultural expression, reflecting a Carnival many Goans remember fondly and wish to pass on to future generations.

Another committee member, Martha Pinto, described the initiative as a breath of fresh air, noting the strong public response and the need to safeguard what is culturally special to Goa while welcoming tourism responsibly.

The parade will feature People’s Floats (minimum 20 participants), a Family Category (minimum four members), and individual performers including clowns and jokers. A structured prize scheme will award cash prizes up to the fifth position across categories such as Traditional, Club/Institution, Family, and Clown/Joker, along with consolation prizes.

Early bird incentives include ₹6,000 for the first 25 registered People’s Floats and ₹3,000 for the first 25 family entries, reinforcing early and active community participation.

Open to all, the People’s Carnival Parade 2026 invites citizens to walk, dance, and celebrate together in a safe, inclusive, and noise-free environment—keeping Carnival people-powered, participatory, and deeply rooted in Goan identity.

Events in Goa

Manoj Bajpayee to Join NoMoZo 7.0 as Porvorim Gears Up for Its People-Centric Street Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Porvorim Rising is set to bring the community together once again with the seventh edition of NoMoZo, scheduled for January 11, 2026. Designed as a people-centric street festival, NoMoZo 7.0 celebrates shared public spaces by blending fitness, culture, creativity, and community engagement. Adding to the excitement this year, renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee will be joining residents at the festival.

NoMoZo encourages citizens of all ages to step out of their homes, connect with their neighbourhoods, and engage with public spaces in meaningful and inclusive ways. Families, youth, artists, innovators, and local community groups are expected to participate in a day-long programme that focuses on movement, learning, creativity, and cultural expression.

Speaking ahead of the event, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, reflected on the origins of the initiative. He shared that NoMoZo was inspired by childhood memories of streets as places to play, meet friends, and build neighbourhood connections. According to him, the festival recreates that sense of togetherness by encouraging people of all ages to interact, engage, and rediscover the joy of community life through people-first public spaces.

Expressing his excitement about participating, Manoj Bajpayee said that what draws him to NoMoZo is the simplicity with which it brings people together, adding that he is looking forward to being part of the celebration.

NoMoZo 7.0 will feature a wide range of interactive zones, including Kids, Art, Heritage, Astronomy, Fitness, Martial Arts, Boxing, Health, Youth, IT & Science, Performance & Dance, Influencer, and Karaoke zones. Free stalls will also be provided to local vendors and artisans, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on inclusivity and community participation.

With growing public involvement year after year, NoMoZo continues to strengthen Porvorim’s community spirit by transforming everyday streets into vibrant spaces of connection, creativity, and collective celebration.

Social

GCCI Women’s Wing Organises Christmas Pop-up Bazaar at Mall de Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Christmas Pop-up Bazaar was organised by the GCCI Women’s Wing in association with Mall de Goa at Porvorim, creating a festive platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their Christmas sweets and products. The event began with a welcome address by the Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Sandra Fernandes, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.

Simran Dhond, Member of the GCCI Women’s Wing Committee, introduced the Chief Guest, Shweta Dessai, Director of the Food and Drugs Administration. Addressing the gathering, Shweta Dessai appreciated the efforts of the women entrepreneurs and encouraged them to continue working hard towards achieving success and growth in their respective ventures.

Sandra Fernandes presented a memento to the Chief Guest and expressed her gratitude to Lavanya for providing the space at Mall de Goa free of cost for the vendors. She also thanked all the participating vendors for their enthusiastic involvement and acknowledged the presence and support of Pallavi Salgaocar, Lavanya Shet, Nandita Dayal, Clare D’Souza and Simran Dhond, the committee members who attended the event.

The programme was compered by Simran Dhond, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of proceedings. After the formal programme, the dignitaries visited the stalls, interacted with the vendors and extended their support by encouraging and appreciating their products. The event was coordinated by Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI, and was well received for promoting women entrepreneurship and festive community spirit.