Goa Festival News

The 2020 World Peace Music Festival ‘Sur Jahan’ starts today. Here are some details on what one can expect at this festival. This event is all about celebrating the uniqueness and differences in cultures. The line-up of performers is Dalinda (Hungarian folk melodies), Radiant Arcadia (all women Denmark band), Godfather of Nordic music ‘Ale Moller’, South Korean band-Coreyah and the well-known Reunion Island singer, Danyèl Waro.   About the performers: Radiant Arcadia (Denmark) The band was brought together by Annette Bellaoui, who wanted to display the skills of women musicians, and the ability to work together with different traditions, languages and nationalities. The band members are from different religious backgrounds and traditions which can be seen in their Nordic and Celtic folk music, jazz, rock, Klezmer and Middle Eastern ballads. The band includes Tine Vitskov in clarinet and bass clarinet, Maren Hallberg in accordion, Anne Eltard in violin, Salam Susu in harp and vocals, Karen Jorgensen and Channe Nussbaum in vocals, Aoife Scott in vocals and bodhran (Irish hand drum) and Radia Sanchez in vocals and daff.   Ale Moller and Ensemble (Sweden) Ale Moller is a professional in Swedish folk music. This version of his band will have Ale […]

On Sunday, 19th January, at Saraya Eco-stay, Sangolda, there will be a different type of music event- the Mahalo Ukelele Festival. Those who are ukulele players or any other type of musician or performer can attend the festival. Even those who just want to have a good time or experience what it’s like to play an instrument can go to Saraya. The word ‘Mahalo’ was chosen for the festival as it is the Hawaiian word for thank you and expresses the warmth and friendliness of the festival.  The aim of this event is to celebrate music and share the love and joy it gives to people. There will be workshops, performances, and open mics. Shoppers can also visit the vendors who’ll be present there selling instruments, jewellery, organic foods, cosmetics and much more. Here is the line-up of performers for the festival: Neptune Chapotin  Neptune Chapotin has been playing Mouth Harp for more than 15 years. He is the founder and creative director since 2013 of the World Mouth Harp Festival of India. He s also part of the band ‘Third Pulse’. Anirban Halder This Mahalo Ukulele Festival co-founder has been making music for more than 14 years. He plays with his band Electric Pulse and teaches […]

Goa is all set to host the 2nd International Blues Festival at Arpora starting from December 19th to December 21st. The festival is a fundraiser to support the music education of underprivileged children, helping them with tuition, purchases of books and instruments.  The event is organized by Foxes Retreat, Arpora along with The Guitar Bar – Goa, Axl School of Music and Technology, Goa, JoJo’s Music School and Performing Art Center, Mumbai, and Da Capo Sound, Siolim.     Headlining the festival this year is JoJo’s Blues Project, with guitar virtuoso Joe D’Costa on electric blues guitar and Goan singer Joanne Fernandes, accompanied by musicians like Darin DeGama on bass, Ellister Noronha on rhythm guitar and Alister D’sa on drums. Other performers scheduled are jazz blues guitarist Sunny Lou from Russia, funk blues guitarist Steve Grove from Canada, as well as Goan musician Roque Lazarus. The festival will also offer workshops in the first half of the day, 10 a.m. onwards, conducted by Sunny Lou, Roque Lazarus, Joe D’Costa, vocalist Garfield (Gary) Oliveira, and recording engineer Aditya (Addy) Naik. Introducing the blues and its sub-genres in a seminar will be festival promoter Carl DeSouza. The festival will highlight the essence of blues, a […]

The Goa Jazz Academy band comprising Goan youth in their twenties gave a remarkable performance at the 6th Jazz India Circuit Goa which was held at the International Centre Goa (ICG) Dona Paula on 15th December. The band comprising of Jesherun D’Cruz (bass guitar), Swizel Costa (saxophone), Satya Nunes (guitar), Ackley Araujo (drums) and Clifton Sequeira (piano) enthralled the crowd by belting out jazz and Blues numbers. The Goa Jazz Academy, which is based at Guirim, offers scholarship programmes and long and short term courses in jazz music. Karan Khosla, director of the academy said, “The student band has been training very hard for the event and I am extremely happy that they have performed so well tonight.” Sanjoy Roy, managing director, Teamwork Arts, organisers of the event said, “The Goa Jazz Academy band performed extremely well. It is good to see young, local talent shine at the festival.”

Curtains will rise on the golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India, at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on November 20, in the presence of the iconic film personalities, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth. On the occasion, Rajinikanth will receive the ‘Icon of Golden Jubilee’ award. Coming out with this information Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant said that the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar and the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Naik will also attend the inaugural ceremony. The opening ceremony will be conducted by filmmaker, Karan Johar, while film personalities such as Ramesh Sippy, Priyadarshan and Isabelle Huppert will attend the event. The Italian film, ‘Despite the Fog’ is the opening film of the festival and will be screened at Kala Academy, at 7 p.m. The Chief Minister also informed that around 9,300 delegates have registered for the IFFI 2019, while 7,000 have already confirmed their presence. “We have a special Goan film section, ‘The Goan Story’ curated by the Directorate of Film Festivals, which will showcase six Konkani movies,” he added. Mini-Movie Mania, a short filmmaking competition of the ESG, which will give away `9 lakh in awards, is one of the […]

The sixth edition of India Bike Week will be held in Goa on December 6th and 7th at Little Vagator Hills, Vagator.  This year the festival will feature four separate timed bike racing adventures- Flat Track Timed Trials, Hill Climb, Big Rock Enduro Training Academy, and MOTO MOB.   Flat Track racing is one of the oldest and most iconic racing formats in the Harley-Davidson kitty. India Bike Week, in association with School of Dirt will also present an Enduro Hill Climb – one rider, one machine, one hill. Enthusiasts can also experience the thrill of ADV motorcycling and get training from the off-road experts from Big Rock Dirt Park. As part of MOTO MOB and inspired by the moto-mafias of Mexico, the track features stripped-down, naked machines that will test the skills to the limit.   Celebrated bikers like celebrity stunter  Rok Bagoros, international freestyle motocross team FMX 4 EVER, Aishwarya Pissay (the first Indian athlete to win a world title), Rajini Krishnan (the first Indian winner of the Asian Road Racing Championship) and Simran King (the national champion for JK Tyre 1000 CC Category), will be showcasing their talents and coming together at the Big Trip for a session on ‘Careers in Motorsport’. […]

The Jazz India Circuit (JIC) is all set to come to Goa on November 30th and December 1st at the International Centre Goa (ICG) Dona Paula. The JIC is a one-stop destination to hear the newest and most diverse jazz acts. The event is organized by Teamwork Arts and has a stellar line-up of jazz artists. Other than that a series of music workshops, interactive experiential spaces, a bustling flea market, and a vibrant food court with flavors from all over the globe and a feast of art and craft activities. Speaking about the Goa leg of JIC 2019, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said, “The JIC celebrates the best of contemporary jazz bringing new idioms and the innovative spirit of jazz to the forefront for Indian audiences. JIC Goa showcases experimental jazz that blends diverse genres like punk, funk, hip-hop, folk and world music.”

People of different nationalities and ages flocked to Miramar to get in on the carnival festivities. Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar, tourism minister, flagged off the parade.  Over 50 floats gave a splash of colour to the streets and one could see that a lot of thought was put into the making of them. This year, many floats backed up social causes like formalin fish, Kerala floods, the inclusion of differently-abled people, suicide, terrorism, and more. People sang songs, danced, sold carnival masks, and dressed up as characters like Mahatma Gandhi, superheroes, and Narendra Modi. King Momo (William Anes) told everyone to enjoy and be merry. Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

Grape Escapade 2019- the wine festival of Goa- was inaugurated yesterday and was accompanied by a fireworks display. Tourism minister, Manohar Babu Azgaonkar, inaugurated the festival at DB Bandodkar Grounds, Panaji. The other dignitaries present for the occasion were Mr Parimal Rai, Dayanand Sopte (GTDC chairman), and Vithal Chopdekar (Mayor C.C.P).  Shine on duo performed ‘I’m in love’- an original song. Darryl and Troupe kept the audience mesmerized by their synchronized acrobatic dance. Raul with Raagas 2 Riches provided the people with live music for the evening. There are many types of wines available there such as amla, jambul, mango, cashew, ginger, anar, apple, pineapple, coconut, beetroot, white wine, red wine, Sauvignon blanc, etc. To complement the wine, there are food stalls selling interesting items like tandoori chicken, biryani, fusion food, burgers, chicken cafreal, ice-cream, xacuti, kingfish fry, shakes, prawn cutlets, berry pulao, kebabs, mutton chops, shawarma, and more.   Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM   (Grape Escapade will continue till 3rd March 2019- 6 pm onwards) For more details click here.

The Goa food and Cultural Festival 2019 was inaugurated at DB Bandodkar Ground Campal, Panaji. Food is essential for our bodies and it is also a great way for people from different walks of life to come together and enjoy various flavours and cuisines. The chief guest was the minister for tourism and sports, Manohar Ajgaonkar, who declared the festival open.  The Valentinos with Marlette entertained the crowd with music. Some of the bands that will perform over the next few days of the festival are Lulu Fortes with The Rhythm & Blues, Frontline, Laury and the Lace, and Altitude. There are many stalls set up which are serving lip-smacking delicacies such as fish in a banana leaf, Goan style BBQ chicken, coconut water, Alphonso mango wine, kachoris, fusion food like gol gappa platters, Spanish beer, shawarmas, urrak, seafood, stuffed poli, sandwiches, juices, tandoors, and more. Some of these stalls belonged to Flamingo, The Yellow Chilli, Mahou India, Sammy’s Kitchen, Zakis biryani, BBQ corner, Café Ave Maria, Temptations, Pan Asian Hut, etc. The stalls will be competing for the ‘most eco-friendly stall’ award. (The festival will continue till 10th February- 6 pm onwards)  Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT […]

Every year on 3rd December, people flock to Old Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier- the patron saint of Goa.  He was a God-fearing man who spread the Gospel and served the sick and poor. He is dotingly hailed as ‘Goencho Saib’ as his life story inspires people even today. His relics are in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This year, the theme of the feast is to live life according to the Beatitudes which Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount. Living according to the beatitudes means always longing to know more about God, being merciful, bringing peace wherever you go, etc.  ‘Like St Francis Xavier, let us live the Beatitudes and be Holy’- those at the feast were taught that it’s not enough to just follow certain religious duties, but you have to have a loving relationship with God and obey His commandments.  There were masses in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, French, Italian, Portuguese, Marathi, Telugu, and Spanish. The feast fair was buzzing with activity and sold items like sweets, accessories, toys, etc. The St Francis Xavier 2018 feast also had a 3D stage which made the people feel like they were in an indoor cathedral […]

The delegate registrations for the 49th edition of IFFI will commence on October 8 from 7.00 p.m. onwards for all cine enthusiasts and professionals on payment of Rs. 1000, whereas the students will be registered free. The applications of the delegates who are registered with IFFI for the last 2 years will be approved within 24 hours and new applications will be approved within 48hours. While briefing the media about the preparations of the festival, vice–chairman of ESG, Rajendra Talak said that: “all our activities are going as per the schedule and this being my second term as the vice–chairman of ESG; I can say that we are much ahead of the schedule. The entire programme will be finalised by October 30.” There will also be a Goan section for the unreleased Goan films in this edition of IFFI, added Talak. The opening and closing ceremony of the festival will be held on November 20 and 28 respectively at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, with the opening film being screened at Kala Academy, Panaji. While Bhupal Ramnathkar who has offered his service to assist Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) for décor finalisation of the festival is appointed as a design […]

The usually tranquil Divar Island turned into a place of celebration for the famous ‘Bonderam’ festival.  Years ago, the Portuguese tried to prevent villagers from taking over nearby land by putting up flags to mark those areas. The villagers started knocking down these flags. The ‘Bonderam’ festival celebrates their protests. The festival started with a flag parade followed by a fancy dress competition where children and adults entertained everyone by acting out the character they were dressed up as. Many colourful floats were brought out for public viewing. Whoever took part in this celebration had a great time. Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

The Sao Joao festivities were celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm across the state. On this day the Catholics enact the biblical tale of -John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother, Elizabeth’s, womb when she was told of Jesus’ conception. The tradition of jumping into the well is considered to be a representation of the saint leaping into Elizabeth’s womb. NT GoGoaNow captured the traditional festive celebrations of the Saints birth at Siolim.   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

The annual feast of Our Lady of Milagres (Our Lady of Miracles) was celebrated at St Jerome’s Church, Mapusa, on April 16; the feast is celebrated on Monday following the third week of Easter. The feast portrays the communal nature of the state wherein a Hindu’s along with other devotes throng to St. Jerome’s church to venerate and seek the blessings of Milagres Saibinn. ‘Milagres Saibinn’ is also believed to cure various ailments and many devotees from different religious communities make vows, pour coconut oil over the statue of our Lady of Milagres and offer wax figurines in repayment of favors received by them. Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

The annual floats parade for this year’s Shigmotsav in Panaji were held on March 10. The float parade were held from Goa Science Centre, Miramar, to Harley Davidson showroom, Caranzalem.   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

Holi or ‘Dhuli Vandan’ the festival of colour, was celebrated in Goa along with rest of the country on March 2. The main city function, ‘Gulalotsav’ –organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, began at 9:30 a.m. with a prayer offered to the city deity, Mahalaxmi, at Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Panaji. This was followed by a procession of Romtamel from the temple to Azad Maidan. The ‘Gulalotsav’ marked the beginning of the Shigmotsav festivities in the capital city. The floats parade for this year’s Shigmotsav in Panaji will be held on March 10 and the cultural activities organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti will be held from March 7 to March 11 at Azad Maidan from 7 p.m. onwards. Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

On Saturday King Momo, Bruno Azaredo, along with his queen and colorful royal entourage announced his reign by proclaiming the mock rules of Carnival festivities i.e Eat, Drink and Enjoy over the next four days.The floats in the capital city were held on Dr. Jack Sequira road, Miramar. The Panaji carnival witnessed a total number of 48 floats based on various themes such as preservation of Bondvall lake, gender equality, Goan folk festivities and other social issues.   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

Alleging that politics’ is being played by a group of people opposing Carnival parade in Pernem, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, on Monday, said that the government’s decision to hold Carnival parade in Pernem is aimed at promoting tourism in the Med. “There is a section of people who are spreading the rumors. Carnival is not about casteism. We are holding the Carnival in Pernemwith an aim to promote tourism. But unfortunately some people are relating other issues with Carnival,” said the tourism Minister while speaking to pressmen in Panaji. “Carnival parade is being held every year in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco. Besides these, another parade is held in Shiroda, which will not be held this year there and as such we want to hold it in Pernem. As Tourism Minister and representative of Pernem taluka, I want to put Pernem on tourism map by holding the Carnival parade there,” he said. A group of people has labeled the Carnival parade as the legacy of the Portuguese and has warned that it will take to the streets if the government does not cancel the parade in Pernem. Meanwhile, Ajgaonkar held a meeting of the State Level Marketing and Promotion Committee (SLMPC) in […]