Events in Goa

CM Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 5th Kala Srujanotsav 2025 at Sankhali


Sankhali, Goa — Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 5th edition of Kala Srujanotsav 2025, an annual cultural celebration organised by the Sarkari Karmachari Saunskrutik Manch Goa, at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali.

The event aims to spotlight the rich artistic traditions of Goa while offering a vibrant stage for government employees to showcase their multi-disciplinary talents—from performing arts and visual art to music, drama, literature and craftsmanship.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees across various departments, along with lively cultural performances that reflected Goa’s diversity and artistic depth.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of cultural engagement in strengthening community bonds, promoting creativity, and nurturing the artistic expression of government employees.

He noted that platforms like Kala Srujanotsav not only preserve Goa’s cultural identity but also motivate individuals to explore their creative potential beyond professional roles.

The festival continues to serve as an enriching opportunity to celebrate unity, artistic excellence, and cultural pride—bringing together communities, families, and art lovers from across the state.

Travel

GTDC Announces Special Tour for Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025 at Sankhali


The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Publicity, has announced a Special Tour for the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival, which will take place on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at Vithalapur, Sankhali.

Celebrated under the full moon, Tripurari Poornima is one of Goa’s most captivating festivals, blending spirituality, creativity, and tradition. The highlight of the event is the magnificent boat show on the River Valvanti, where intricately decorated miniature boats are released, symbolizing devotion and community celebration. The festival attracts locals and visitors who come together to experience the beauty of Goa’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Speaking about the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that Tripurari Poornima embodies the spirit of Regenerative Tourism, where each visitor contributes to preserving Goa’s traditions while enjoying an authentic experience. He invited both locals and travellers to join the celebration and witness Goa’s living cultural legacy.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, described the festival as a perfect representation of spirituality and community creativity, while GTDC Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, reaffirmed GTDC’s commitment to curating meaningful tourism experiences that support local engagement and sustainability.

To facilitate easy access, GTDC has organized a special coach tour from Panaji and Mapusa residencies, departing at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, respectively, and returning from Sankhali at approximately 1:00 AM. Tickets are priced at ₹150 for adults and ₹50 for children (6–12 years). Guests staying at GTDC residencies in Panaji, Mapusa, Miramar, and Calangute who book the tour will also receive a 10% discount on room rates.

The initiative aims to encourage participation, promote local culture, and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

GTDC invites everyone to experience the magic of Goa’s moonlit waters, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit at the Tripurari Poornima Boat Festival 2025.

Events in Goa

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates ‘Mann’ – Mental Health Awareness Program for Women in Sankhali


Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated “Mann” – a Mental Health Awareness Program for Women – at Ravindra Bhavan in Sankhali, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic well-being of women, especially in rural areas. The event was organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with Padmani Foundation.

“Mann” aims to promote mental health awareness among women by creating safe spaces for dialogue, education, and community support. Through a series of sensitization programs, expert sessions, and peer engagement, the initiative is designed to help women better understand mental health challenges and access support systems in their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of mental well-being in achieving true empowerment and applauded the collaborative effort between government and civil society organizations. He emphasized the need for continued outreach and inclusion of mental health services at the grassroots level.

The Padmani Foundation, known for its work in mental health and community outreach, brings its experience and sensitivity to the program. Their collaboration with the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission ensures that the initiative reaches the most vulnerable women across the state, including self-help group members, rural entrepreneurs, and homemakers.

“Mann” represents a step forward in addressing mental health in rural development agendas and ensuring that women’s health and emotional resilience are prioritized alongside economic empowerment. The program will continue with a series of follow-up activities and training sessions across Goa.

EduConnect

Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce Hosts Successful Bird Bath Competition


In a bid to promote environmental awareness and encourage students to contribute towards bird conservation, the Nature Club Committee of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sankhali organized a Bird Bath Competition recently. The event, held in the GIS Lab, saw nine students showcase their innovative and eco-friendly bird bath models.

Promoting Sustainability and Bird Conservation

The competition aimed to inspire students to think creatively about sustainable bird bath designs that can contribute to bird conservation. The event was coordinated by Dr. Arati Panshekar, who emphasized the importance of environmental awareness and sustainability in today’s world.

Innovative Designs Wow Judges

The entries were judged based on creativity, functionality, and sustainability. The judges were impressed by the innovative designs, which demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of bird conservation and sustainability.

And the Winners Are…

Kumari Onishka Pereira secured the first place with her outstanding design, followed by Kumari Sanika Ghadshi who won the second place and Kumari Samiksha Kanekar who won the third position. The winners were awarded prizes and certificates, and their designs were showcased as examples of sustainable and eco-friendly bird bath designs.

Empowering Students to Make a Difference

The Bird Bath Competition is just one example of the college’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. By empowering students to think creatively about sustainable designs, the college is inspiring the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact on the environment.

Events in Goa

Octave 2025: A Grand Celebration of North East India’s Cultural Diversity


The inaugural ceremony of Octave 2025, a national folk festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of North Eastern India, was held with great fanfare. The festival, organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture, in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Center, Udaipur, and North East Zone Cultural Center, Dimapur, promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, dance, art, and handicrafts from the region.
Held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali, the festival brings together artists and artisans from eight North Eastern states, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and rich cultural traditions. The festival offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural diversity of North East India, with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality.

A Celebration of India’s Diverse Cultural Heritage
Octave 2025 is a celebration of the unique cultural traditions of North East India, which is home to over 200 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct culture, language, and customs. The festival provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, with its traditional folk music and dance performances, exhibitions of handicrafts and art, and much more.

A Must-Visit Event
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply interested in exploring the diverse cultural traditions of India, Octave 2025 is an event not to be missed. So, come and experience the vibrant culture of North East India, and be a part of this joyous celebration of music, dance, art, and handicrafts.