Tag: spirituality

Events in Goa

Goa Celebrates the Feast of Three Kings with Faith, Culture, and Community Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa marked the Feast of the Three Kings with deep devotion and vibrant cultural expression across the picturesque villages of Cansaulim, Chandor, and Reis Magos, bringing together local communities and visitors in a shared observance of faith, tradition, and heritage. The annual celebration, closely associated with the Christian feast of Epiphany, continues to hold a special place in Goa’s cultural and spiritual calendar.

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation team led by Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, along with Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, General Manager Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, and other officials actively participated in the celebrations at Reis Magos. Solemn masses and processions held at local churches formed the spiritual core of the festivities, fostering a strong sense of devotion and communal unity.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted the importance of such celebrations in preserving Goa’s identity, noting that cultural and spiritual festivals form an integral part of the State’s tourism landscape. He observed that these events reflect Goa’s deep-rooted faith, harmony, and community participation, while offering visitors an opportunity to experience authentic local traditions.

Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, emphasised the role of community-based festivals in presenting Goa’s cultural identity, stating that such celebrations help connect visitors with local traditions while ensuring that cultural practices continue to thrive within their natural community settings.

A key highlight of the celebration was the evocative reenactment of the journey of the Magi, with three young men symbolically portraying the Wise Men as they carried traditional offerings through village streets. Traditional music, colourful processions, and community-led events added vibrancy and emotional depth to the festivities, drawing participation from all age groups.

The outreach of the celebration was further strengthened through a focused promotional campaign using digital platforms and influencer collaborations, enabling the cultural significance of the Three Kings Feast to reach audiences beyond the State. Goa Tourism also set up an information canopy at the church premises, where visitors were provided details on tourism services and offered refreshments and mementoes, enhancing their overall experience.

The Feast of the Three Kings 2026 once again underscored Goa’s rich spiritual traditions and strong community bonds, reinforcing its identity as a destination where faith, culture, and tradition continue to be celebrated in a meaningful and inclusive manner.

#faith

Why Gen Z Is Finding Its Way Back to Faith?

Tanisha Cardozo

For decades, each new generation appeared to move further away from organised religion. Millennials and Gen X came of age during a period marked by increasing secularisation, skepticism toward institutions, and a preference for individual belief over communal practice. Gen Z, however, is beginning to disrupt that long-term trend in unexpected ways.

Multiple surveys across Western countries now indicate that Gen Z shows higher levels of church attendance and religious identification than Millennials and Gen X did at the same age. Many young people are not only attending weekly services but are also actively participating in faith-based communities, particularly within Christianity. This shift is less about inherited tradition and more about conscious choice.

Researchers point to rising anxiety, economic uncertainty, social fragmentation, and digital overload as major factors influencing this return. Gen Z has grown up in an era defined by constant connectivity, global crises, and unstable futures. In this environment, religion offers something increasingly rare: structure, predictability, and moral grounding. Faith communities provide spaces where identity is not curated for an audience, but lived in shared presence.

Churches that have adapted to these realities are seeing the strongest engagement. Those offering mentorship, mental health conversations, peer networks, and opportunities for service are resonating deeply with Gen Z. For many young attendees, the appeal lies not only in belief, but in the sense of belonging and care that comes from being part of an in-person community.

Unlike earlier generations that often rejected organised religion as rigid or irrelevant, Gen Z tends to approach faith pragmatically. Attendance is less about obligation and more about purpose. Religion is being used as a framework for meaning-making, discipline, and resilience in a world that often feels unstable and overwhelming.

Digital exhaustion has also played a role in this shift. After years of living online, many Gen Z individuals are actively seeking spaces that are slower, quieter, and more human. In-person worship, shared rituals, and moments of reflection offer relief from constant performance and comparison. In that sense, religious spaces have become one of the few remaining environments where presence matters more than visibility.

This renewed engagement does not necessarily signal a return to rigid or exclusionary belief systems. Many Gen Z participants favour inclusive, socially conscious faith communities aligned with values such as compassion, service, and justice. Their relationship with religion remains questioning and selective, but deeply intentional.

Gen Z’s return to faith is not a revival of the past, but a reimagining of belief for the present. It reflects a generation searching for stability, meaning, and connection—proof that in times of uncertainty, the pull toward community and purpose remains as strong as ever.

Events in Goa

Yin and Yang: A Celebration of Balance, Inclusivity and Inner Strength in Porvorim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Yin and Yang – In Balance with Body and Mind, organised on December 14, 2025, in Porvorim by SoulSync founders Sridevi Badami, Monica Sirohi, Poonam Gupta and Komala Soares, unfolded as an evening rooted in empowerment, inclusivity and self-discovery. The event was envisioned as a safe and welcoming platform for women from diverse walks of life, many of whom stepped onto the ramp for the very first time, embracing fashion as a tool for healing, confidence-building and self-expression.

The evening was elevated by the presence of iconic Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai as the celebrity guest. Her warmth and soulful performance left the audience enthralled, adding an emotional and celebratory depth to the event. Around 150 women participated wholeheartedly, reflecting the strong sense of community and shared purpose that defined the gathering.

Choreographed by Nadia Khan, the fashion walk unfolded through four thoughtfully curated themes inspired by the concept of Yin and Yang. Nature’s Symphony invited participants to interpret natural dualities such as ice and fire or strength and softness through creative attire. Trails of Tradition celebrated India’s rich cultural heritage with ethnic wear, while Urban Harmony showcased confidence and modernity through western outfits. Balanced Soul brought together indo-western ensembles, symbolising the harmony modern Indian women embody in their daily lives.

Beyond fashion, Indian culture came alive through vibrant dance performances presented by participants themselves, ranging from classical and fusion to Bollywood and Gidda. The event stood out for its inclusivity, welcoming women of all age groups, senior citizens and differently abled participants, reinforcing SoulSync’s belief that empowerment knows no boundaries.

Women entrepreneurs were also given a platform to showcase their products through dedicated stalls, adding another layer of support and visibility to women-led initiatives. Importantly, the event was tied to charity, with a portion of the proceeds directed towards a meaningful social cause, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to giving back to the community.

Well received and widely appreciated, the event was applauded for being punctual, thoughtfully organised, visually engaging and deeply inclusive. Yin and Yang – In Balance with Body and Mind emerged not just as a fashion showcase, but as a heartfelt celebration of balance, resilience and the collective strength of women.

#faith

Second Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Peace

allycaralgoa

By Nikita Volvoikar

As the Advent season unfolds, today marks the Second Sunday of Advent, celebrated by lighting the Peace Candle, also known as the Prophet’s Candle. This candle symbolizes the divine peace that Jesus Christ brings — a peace that calms our hearts, heals our wounds, and restores what the world often tries to take away.

In a time when stress, conflict, hatred, division, and uncertainty seem to be on the rise, the Peace Candle calls us back to the essence of Christ’s message. He is the Prince of Peace, the one who brings stillness to troubled hearts and hope to weary souls.

Today, we are reminded to pray for peace:

  • In our hearts, where fear and anxiety often reside
  • In our families, where misunderstandings can arise
  • In our communities, where unity is needed
  • Across the world, where wars and unrest continue

As we light this candle, may it inspire us not only to seek peace but to be bearers of peace — through kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and love. Advent is a journey of preparation, and peace is one of its most profound gifts.

Business

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Expands in Goa, Celebrating 77 Years of Fragrance, Heritage, and Purpose

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India – Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, celebrates 77 years of fragrance, faith, and purpose as it expands its footprint across Goa. With a legacy that has enriched over six billion prayers worldwide, the brand continues to carry forward the spirit of Indian craftsmanship and devotion, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless experiences.

Founded in Mysuru, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a humble family enterprise into a global brand exporting to more than 75 countries. Its diverse range includes traditional agarbathies and contemporary wellness offerings under the IRIS Home Fragrances brand, now available across Goa through leading retail and quick commerce platforms. This expansion ensures that every home can experience the essence of purity, peace, and prayer with just a click.

Marking a milestone in its journey, Cycle Pure Agarbathi created history at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 by unveiling and lighting a 125-feet agarbathi—the longest and most inclusive creation in its legacy. The event, graced by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and other dignitaries, represented a beautiful convergence of tradition, inclusion, and innovation. The ceremonial lighting symbolized unity and celebration of diverse abilities at one of the world’s most inclusive cultural events.

Continuing its deep connection with art and culture, Cycle Pure Agarbathi recently collaborated with Kantara: Chapter 1, a PAN-Indian mythological action drama, as the official prayer partner. To commemorate this partnership, the brand launched the Three in One Parampara Agarbathi, a special edition inspired by Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Each stick in this collection is a blend of divine fragrance and devotion, offering an experience that embodies spiritual resonance and artistic tradition.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe fragrance is a bridge between tradition and modern living. Our presence across all leading quick commerce platforms ensures that this sacred experience is just a click away—bringing purity, emotion, and heritage to homes instantly.”

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, added, “Goa represents a vibrant confluence of culture, spirituality, and modern living—values that deeply resonate with our brand. Through our Cycle and IRIS product lines and creative collaborations like Kantara, we’re not just offering fragrance; we’re creating immersive experiences that connect with hearts and homes.”

Sustainability remains at the heart of Cycle Pure’s philosophy. With zero carbon emissions across its production facilities, plastic-free packaging, and natural ingredient sourcing, the brand has built an environmentally responsible model that blends spirituality with stewardship. The company also continues to empower communities through its Gadchiroli Agarbatti Project (GAP)—a rural livelihood initiative launched in 2014 that has uplifted over 1,200 tribal women, tripling their average household income.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi invites Goans to explore its complete range—from traditional incense to modern wellness products—crafted to transform ordinary moments into soulful rituals. As the brand enters its 78th year, it continues to uphold its vision of purity, empowerment, and sustainability, carrying forward a legacy of fragrance that touches lives, connects cultures, and inspires generations.