Resident of Goa or visiting this state, GoGoaNow is your one stop to the sights, sounds and taste of Goa. Here you can plan your weekend or your holiday with things to do, see, visit, eat and drink.
From exhibitions, concerts, dance, food and drink to performing arts, libraries and more, GoGoaNow is the definitive guide to events in Goa.
Featured Events
Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is organising an exhibition preview of the Korean artist Kyungwoo Chun’s work titled, ‘Song without Lyrics’ on August 18 from 7 p.m. onwards at their premises. Last date of exhibition: November 11. Details: 9370675100/ 9767864206.
Caritas Goa in association with professional artist Lioba Knepple is organising a new certificate course on ‘Art as healing tool’ every Saturday from August 26 to November 4 at Institute Nosa Senhora de Piedade, near Hotel Mandovi, Panaji. Fee: Rs.2500. Details: 9422362627.
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs is organising the South District Youth Festival on September 26 and 27 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, North District Youth Festival on September 29 and 30 at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali and State Level Youth Festival on October 5 and 6. Details: 2465704/dir-spor.goa@nic.in
Motoverse 2023 is all set to return for an epic weekend full of fun and adventure at Vagator from November 24 to 26, 2023. Register at: https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/rides/events/motoverse/register
Fundacao Oriente Panaji is organising the 7th Fundação Oriente Short Story Competition. In this regard, the organisation will organise a creative writing workshop between June 23 and 25. Entries for the competition 2023 will be accepted between August 15 and 30. The shortlisted stories will be announced on November 30 and the winners will be declared at a function to be held on December 8. The winning and shortlisted stories will be translated into English and published in the anthology ‘Short Stories from Goa’ in 2024. Regulations and registration forms are available on request by email to fossc2023@gmail.com. Details: 2230728.
Up Next
Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is organising an exhibition preview of the Korean artist Kyungwoo Chun’s work titled, ‘Song without Lyrics’ on August 18 from 7 p.m. onwards at their premises. Last date of exhibition: November 11. Details: 9370675100/ 9767864206.
Caritas Goa in association with professional artist Lioba Knepple is organising a new certificate course on ‘Art as healing tool’ every Saturday from August 26 to November 4 at Institute Nosa Senhora de Piedade, near Hotel Mandovi, Panaji. Fee: Rs.2500. Details: 9422362627.
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs is organising the South District Youth Festival on September 26 and 27 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, North District Youth Festival on September 29 and 30 at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali and State Level Youth Festival on October 5 and 6. Details: 2465704/dir-spor.goa@nic.in
Motoverse 2023 is all set to return for an epic weekend full of fun and adventure at Vagator from November 24 to 26, 2023. Register at: https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/rides/events/motoverse/register
Fundacao Oriente Panaji is organising the 7th Fundação Oriente Short Story Competition. In this regard, the organisation will organise a creative writing workshop between June 23 and 25. Entries for the competition 2023 will be accepted between August 15 and 30. The shortlisted stories will be announced on November 30 and the winners will be declared at a function to be held on December 8. The winning and shortlisted stories will be translated into English and published in the anthology ‘Short Stories from Goa’ in 2024. Regulations and registration forms are available on request by email to fossc2023@gmail.com. Details: 2230728.
Essentially Goa

A chat with a young crochet enthusiast
Ornella Menezes, a teen from Colvale, loves to keep herself busy. She creates crochet jewellery which was even showcased for the Schulen Fernandes for Wendell Rodricks Zentangle Collection at the Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week in Delhi. She tells NT GoGoaNow that her normal days consisted of school and homework but now, during the lockdown, a lot of her time has been freed up for crochet. While everyone else’s businesses have been negatively affected, Ornella reveals that her sales increased in the midst of the lockdown days. The crochet items she usually creates are doilies, table runners, jewellery, and centrepieces. A day in her life consists of mostly creating crochet works, playing the piano, paper quilling, and taking online singing classes. The free time helped her get a lot more ideas by taking inspiration from Pinterest posts. She hardly gets bored and enthusiastically says: “I’m looking forward to buying new threads” for her crochet works. Sheryl Gonsalves | NT GoGoaNow Picture Credit – SHIVANG MISHRA II NTGOGOANOW

Get high on mangoes with the ‘Mangoholic’ Festival at Goa Marriott Resort
Come summer and mango is one of the fruits on everyone’s mind. One can relish the fruit in its many moods at the ongoing ‘Mangoholic Delights’ till May 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Goa Baking Company, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar. There is an array of bakes, pastries, smoothies, shakes, ice creams and more. RAMANDEEP KAUR & SHERYL GONSALVES | NT In cakes, there is the Alphonso mango boomer (classic mascarpone cream with fresh mango compote), spice mangles mangozza (sweet chili brule, mango cremeux and almond financier), kesar mango cheesecake (mango cheesecake, Oreo crust and chantilly cream), ‘aam panna’ with strawberry confit (‘aam panna’ mousse, pistachio sponge and crunch) and payari mango and coconut cake (coconut dacquoise and payari cream). Pastries include mango cream tart (sweet paste, cloudy cream and mango), classic mango popsicles (mango mousse and crunch), mango crepe cake (crepe, mango ganache) and ‘aam petti’ (vanilla sponge and mango cream). There are two types of ice creams and macarons in flavours of mango basil, raspberry mango and just mango by itself. Chef de Partie (pastry) Gouri Khanna says, “We have showcased our fusion and classical desserts of mango. We have homemade ice creams, macarons […]

Spend your afternoon learning about snakes!
Herpactive, an organisation dedicated to reptile conservation, is organising the first-ever ‘Serpentdine’, an afternoon filled with snake tales, trivia, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. The event which will be held on June 18, at The Pier-Seaside Bistro, located at the Cruise Terminal in Vasco, aims to celebrate the remarkable work carried out by men and women working with snakes in Goa. Participants can expect insightful conversations about rescue and release protocols, where experienced professionals will share their knowledge and exchange best practices. The event will also feature an array of captivating snake tales, allowing attendees to delve into the rich world of snake mythology, folklore, and awe-inspiring encounters. Lucky draws will offer attendees a chance to win exciting prizes, while a silent auction will provide an avenue to contribute to the work of those working with snakes in Goa. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with renowned figures from the snake world, connecting with influencers and experts who have dedicated their lives to the study and conservation of snakes. Snake hooks will be available for purchase, ensuring everyone can participate and engage with these magnificent creatures. There will also be captivating displays and stalls offering […]

D’ziners owner gets Candid
If you live in Goa, you have probably seen D’ziners- a bespoke tailoring clothing store. Andrew Fernandes, the proprietor, has a little chat with NT GoGoaNow to share what changes have happened in his life. Sheryl Gonsalves – NT GoGoaNow Picture Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GoGoaNow Andrew used to be a very busy man. He used to start with his Margao store and end up at his Mapusa store. Now he uses his time to play badminton, help out in the kitchen, pray with his family, and spend time with the Bible. He even worked on some paintings which have Biblical themes. Andrew opens up about his difficulties and shares that he may have to close down some of his stores as he’s currently unable to pay the rent, electric bills, and salaries. He reveals, “We are hardly getting customers. Clothing is a lifestyle business. Now, food is more important for people than clothes.” Also, there are no events for people to dress up for. When things are well in the future, Andrew has a dream of using his beautiful Benaulim house to open up a boutique restaurant. He says, “No one can predict anything. I’m looking forward […]

A tribute to the cashew
Dedicated to the people of Goa, Goan musician O’luv has come out with his new music video ‘The CASHEW song of Goa’ Goan musician O’luv has released his new music video single ‘The CASHEW song of Goa’ on his YouTube channel O’luv Goa. The video has been created over a span of three months, with site visits to understand the process and to draw inspiration for the lyrics and to create the visuals. From the picking of the tree-ripened cashew apples with the ‘tochni’ or ‘kantto’ [ a stick with a spur or thorn near the tip], to the separation of the nut from the cashew apple for the extraction of the juice at the ‘kollbi’, to the fermentation and the two distillations at the ‘battie’ using the traditional clay-pot ‘lavnni’ as the condenser, most of the processes involved are covered in a song. The aim of the song is to celebrate the cashew (anacardium occidentale) that came from Brazil and became one of our own in Goa. We have found a number of uses for the tree, its nut and the cashew apple and it is now an integral part of the Goan culture and traditions. It is used […]

Catching up with playwright Isabel Vas – Life during Lockdown
Goa got to see wonderful English plays because of a certain creative lady called Isabel Vas. NT GoGoaNow catches up with her to find out what she’s been up to these days. Sheryl Gonsalves – NT GoGoaNow “During the lockdown I was alone. Traffic had stopped. Everything was completely silent. The silence brought the birds back into my garden which I enjoyed. For some days I wasn’t able to get groceries but something wonderful happened. Neighbours and other people helped me get food which was very touching,” Isabel reveals. She kept herself occupied with a bit of reading, gardening, and writing. The days were peaceful and relaxing and she used to sit quietly and enjoy the silence. Isabel reveals that she was holding auditions for a new play of hers, but it got cancelled. Having any plays now is a big question mark for her. She has noticed that people like writers, painters, and musicians have become extremely creative during these days. “Coming up with a play is a slow process so I haven’t done anything specific,” says Isabel. She misses her students at Goa University. When asked about the future, Isabel replies: “I’m looking forward to changes in this […]

A simpler life is better ~ Literati Bookshop Founder
“We’re lucky to have a roof over our heads and our basic needs met,” says Divya Kapur, the founder of the Literati Bookshop in Calangute, while talking to NT GoGoaNow. Sheryl Gonsalves | NT GoGoaNow This ex-lawyer started focusing on what she could do at home during the lockdown. She checked in on her friends and family to see if they were okay. Divya jokingly shared that she’s not that productive but she spent her time reading, watching television, and engaged in some physical activities. Speaking about the Literati Bookshop she reveals that they’re encouraging people to opt for home delivery. Now they hold virtual book club meets but movie screenings and book launches can’t happen. Divya is of the opinion that a simpler life is better. She says, “I’m looking forward to going to the beach, swimming in the sea, and watching the sunset.”

‘Rediscover Goa’ with Airbnb and experience the true beauty of the sunshine state
*A week long celebration of all things Goan announced in collaboration with Goa Tourism Department* Airbnb in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department, launches ‘Rediscover Goa’, a week-long celebration of Goa’s vast cultural diversity beyond its beaches and dazzling nightlife. Cultre, a creative and cultural enterprise that seeks to promote India’s pluralistic cultural heritage through content, products and experiences has been onboarded as the knowledge partner to help curate the experiences and bring to life all things Goan. … The ‘Rediscover Goa’ celebration will take place from December 12-18, and will offer 20+ specially curated unique Airbnb Experiences hosted by local experts highlighting the eclectic culture, rich heritage, musical traditions, culinary delicacies and thriving landscapes of Goa across the Northern and Southern districts of the state. … This week-long celebration of Goa and its culture aims to highlight how the state’s inherited traditions and cultural legacy form the basis of Goan living even in this day and age. The experiences will not only let one indulge in the many bounties of Goa but also help engage with the vibrant local culture. The existing pockets of lesser-known curiosities that make Goa unique will now be accessible for all enthusiasts to experience. […]

Beaches in Goa with less crowd
The shining sun is hitting the waves, making the ocean sparkle as it reflects the blue hues of the sky above. The gentle breeze and the calming sounds of the water make you slip into relaxation mode. However, there is one thing you may wish was different…. a beach that wasn’t so crowded! Written By: Sheryl Gonsalves Not to worry! Here is a list of beaches in Goa that’ll let you have a quieter, peaceful outing: NORTH GOA The North side of Goa has a notorious reputation for having crowded, noisy beaches. However, this isn’t entirely true. Here are some serene spots to visit for sand and sea… Morjim Beach This beach is quite famous for the Olive Ridley turtles who come to nest here and are helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the baby turtles get into the sea. The beach is also a favourite among Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, one will find signboards and menu cards in the Russian language. Mandrem Beach If you want to enjoy vast stretches of sand and water, this beach is the place to be! Colourful seashells dot the shores while little crabs […]

Mayem Lake has now been made more tourist- friendly
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated the beautification and up-gradation works undertaken at Mayem Lake on 27th August 2019. He also launched the Bungee Jumping Site there. Mayem Lake is a famous tourist spot for boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The works undertaken include the development of approach road and parking area for around 57 cars, 40 two-wheelers and 10 tourist buses with a 12m wide approach road. A ticketing booth and tourist information office has been put up at the entrance. The walkway lets the differently-abled move around freely. There is a natural trail, where people can feel and experience the lake view and natural beauty. The existing lake retaining wall and parapet has also been strengthened. Picnic spots have also been developed. Children can enjoy in the play area with swings, see-saw, slopes, etc. To add to the fun, there is now an air-conditioned mirror maze, a duck house, and an amphitheatre (with a capacity for 120 people which can be increased to 200) for showcasing the local folk and cultural dances. Other facilities include a souvenir shop, potter huts to promote local artisans, landscaping, drinking water facility, restaurants, etc. 20 new boats and a jetty with a terminal building for queuing purpose and lakeside […]
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