Panaji, 9th February 2025: NoMoZo 6.0 was officially inaugurated in the presence of notable dignitaries including Minister for Tourism, IT and Printing & Stationery, and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte, along with Bollywood actor John Abraham, who served as the chief guest.
The event was also graced by the presence of Minister of Art and Culture, Govind Gaude; Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA, Joshua De Souza; Mandrem MLA, Jit Arolkar; and Ex Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo among others.
The event commenced with the ceremonial opening, followed by inspiring words from John Abraham, who shared his thoughts on the significance of sustainability, fitness, and community spirit. Abraham, in his signature style, encouraged everyone to take steps towards preserving the environment and staying healthy. “Congratulations to Goa’s Tourism Minister, Mr. Rohan Khaunte, and the entire NoMoZo team on completing six successful years! This event thrives because of the incredible support from the people of Goa. Initiatives like these are truly commendable. Thank you for celebrating and preserving Goa’s rich heritage!” he said.
Following this, Rohan Khaunte, the driving force behind NoMoZo, emphasised the essence of the event that goes beyond traffic-free roads. He spoke about how the community of Porvorim has embraced this event over the years, making it a unique celebration of togetherness and inclusivity. “Five years ago, this idea was born out of a vision for stronger community outreach. As Goa stands for communal harmony, we wanted to create something that brings everyone together—regardless of religion, caste, or creed. Our goal was to provide a platform where everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, could showcase their talents, gain confidence, and take a step forward in life. The first year of NoMoZo was a challenge, but it was just the beginning of something truly special,” Khaunte said.
He further added that the center has sanctioned close to ₹100cr towards the town square project, which will include the festival road and will be a unique development in Porvorim. He expressed his hope that the work on the town square will be completed by next year. He also acknowledged the efforts of the organising team, particularly Ninil D’Souza, for making NoMoZo 6.0 a grand success.
The inaugural ceremony was filled with excitement as John Abraham interacted with the attendees, while performances, interactive stalls, and various zones buzzed with activity. The famous band “Gravity” also performed, captivating the audience with their music, while key dignitaries appreciated the spirit and energy of the participants.
This annual event, organised by Porvorim Rising, a Rohan Khaunte initiative, provided not just a break from daily routines but also a platform for locals to showcase their talents and unique offerings.
This year’s NoMoZo featured 12 engaging zones, including the Heritage Zone, IT & Science Zone, Astronomy Zone, Performance Zone, Youth Zone, Fitness Zone, Boxing Zone, Martial Arts Zone, Kids Zone, Health Zone, Art Zone, and Dance Zone. Each zone offered unique experiences, drawing people of all ages to explore and enjoy.
In the Heritage Zone, the rich cultural heritage of Goa was showcased through traditional Hindu and Catholic wedding ceremonies, ancient art forms like Fugri, Mando, Natyageet, and folk performances. There were live demonstrations of pottery, bamboo crafts, Kunbi saree making, and antique Goan artifacts presented by Gopinath Gawas under “Goenchem Dais.”
The IT & Science Zone introduced emerging technologies such as 3D Printing, AR-VR, Robotics, and Drones, allowing visitors to experience them firsthand. The stalls also offered career guidance and insights into future tech-driven opportunities.
The Youth Zone, managed by the Rotary Club of Mapusa Elegance, was filled with youthful energy and featured science projects, road safety pop quizzes, and performances by talented young individuals.
Participants also explored the wonders of the Astronomy Zone, adopted wellness in the Health Zone, indulged in artistic expressions at the Art Zone.
With over 100 stalls offering a variety of culinary and shopping experiences, this year’s NoMoZo saw an increase in attendance compared to the previous editions, despite ongoing development work in Porvorim.
The event continues to be a resounding success, bringing together people from all walks of life and promoting a sense of unity, creativity, and wellness in the community.
