Goa Festival News

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 […]

The largest inter-disciplinary festival of the arts in South Asia is scheduled from the 15th to the 23rd of December 2023 in Panaji, Goa A diverse line-up of interdisciplinary projects and initiatives will be conceptualised by a panel of distinguished curators spanning the performing, visual, culinary arts, and craft. Sandeep Kumar Sangaru and Anjana Somany will be curating the section on Craft and bring forth varied crafts practices that blend traditional and contemporary practice. Quasar Thakore Padamsee who curated last year’s theatre section of the festival is back to helm the Theatre segment of the festival that will showcase an eclectic selection of plays. Food is closely linked with festivities and is an indispensable element of the festival, and for this edition, Chef Thomas Zacharias and The Locavore Team, will curate the important Culinary quotient of Serendipity Arts Festival through a gastronomical journey that ties people and cultures. Bickram Ghosh, who has curated the festival’s previous edition, along with Ricky Kej will curate the Music section with a wide range of concerts covering diverse genres and addressing various social-cultural ideas and topics. Geeta Chandran and Mayuri Upadhya will put together classical, experimental and contemporary dance performances and workshops. Visual Arts […]

Film: Belle et Sébastien, Nouvelle Generation Directed by: Pierre Coré Duration: 96 minutes A huge round of applause echoed throughout the theatre at the end of a film that was showcased at IFFI 53. This French movie, Belle et Sébastien, Nouvelle Generation, even left some people in tears. While reading the description of the movie, I was expecting a typical dog film which has a dash of cute elements and heartwarming scenes sprinkled in. However, I was blown away after watching it as there were so many elements and layers that made it epic and almost surprising. The opening scene started with the main character, a 10-year-old boy named Sébastien, an aloof-looking character, who saw someone getting bullied and decided to take action and save the victim. Unfortunately, that resulted in an unexpected result – the bully started chasing Sébastien and ended up getting hit by a car! This incident led to him being taken reluctantly for a mountain vacation where he had to stay with his grandmother who seemed to show no enthusiasm with the arrival of her grandson. These scenes were filmed at a place between France and Spain. It was a visual treat on so many levels. […]

The much-awaited Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2020 was officially inaugurated on 21st  February at the hands of Pramod Sawant -Goa’s chief minister, in the presence of Babush Monserrate – MLA Panjim Constituency, Dayanand Sopte – GTDC’s Chairman, Parimal Rai, IAS – Chief Secretary, and Uday Madkaikar – Mayor, CCP. The venue had a carnival theme and even the beloved carnival character, King Momo, was present. There are a variety of food stalls put up selling items like wines, popcorn, shakes, urak, Goan and Indian food, kebabs, tandoori, shawarma, sizzlers, biryani, classic Goan snacks, barbeques, fish n chips, kebabs, ice-cream, honey, and more. Famous brands like Fratelli wines, Ripples, Gastro pub, Planet Hollywood, Fish by 11, Zakis biryani, Bay 15, Mog Asun, etc, have their own stalls here.   The entertainment line-up: 22nd February – ‘Latin Connection with Konkani Greats’, ‘UZO- The Global Music Project’, ‘5-minute canvas painting by Sank Creations’. 23rd February – ‘Masala Coffee- Indian Folk, Rock, Blues, Reggae’, ‘Shine On’ band   Venue: Campal Cricket Ground, opposite Parade Ground, Panaji Timing: 6 pm onwards on all days   Picture Credit – SHIVANG MISHRA II NTGOGOANOW

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.”

Goa Tourism in association with the Goa Feni Distillers and Bottlers is all set to organise the second edition of The Spirit of Goa Festival 2019 from April 26 to April 28. The three-day event revolves around Goa’s much loved possessions: the coconut and cashew, in a variety of products, cuisines, beverages, handicrafts, etc showcasing the traditional aspects and the goodness associated with this produce including homegrown spirits ranging from local brews, homemade wines and more. The festival will also have live demos on distilling of the cashew juice into Goa’s much relished heritage brew, feni. Besides authentic Goan food, coconut and cashew will also be the key ingredients in the cuisines and beverages prepared and served during the three-day festival. A cashew stomping competition will also be organised along with masterclasses and cooking demos conducted by mixologist Karl Fernandes and chef Avinash Martins and Tiz Martins who will showcase some authentic yet innovative Goan cuisine. A variety of exciting programmes, workshops, competitions and more will be scheduled to enthrall the audience. From timeless Konkani and Portuguese classics to modern day English Latin styles with jazz and funk rhythms, the festival’s lineup boasts of well-curated large format ensembles with full […]

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa will host its premier food and lifestyle festival, Grape Escapade from February 28 to March 3 at D.B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji. To be inaugurated on February 28 at 6 p.m., the 4-day festival will bring together a host of professionals from the tourism and hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, wineries and manufacturers to showcase their premium offerings. Grape Escapade 2019 will showcase over 40 exhibitors which include wineries comprising of international, national and local wine producers. To complement the wines, several food stalls will be set up to offer gourmet delights. Some of the participating wineries include; Sula Vineyards, Grover Zampa Vineyards, Big Banyan Wines, Ocean King Distillers, Tonia Wines, Good Drop Wines, Santanse Wines, Pomar de Frutas, Fratelli Wines, Indus Wines, and others. Goychi Chul, Bay 15, Yellow Chilli, Anandashram, Temptations, Sua Casa Restaurant, Hungry Hatz Grill, O’ Coqueiro and Tinge, Toro Toro will also be participating in addition to many other food outlets. An exciting line up of entertainment has been chalked out. A fashion show by Anusha Shaikh, dance routines by Dance-o-Philia and Goa Institute of Performing Arts (GIPA), and musical performances by Shine On Duo – Sidney and Silvina, […]

Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Wednesday released the official theme song ‘Carnival Sobovya’ for the annual four-day Carnival float parade to be held in Goa from March 2 to 5, 2019. The theme song is composed, mixed and mastered by Mukesh Ghatwal, who has also sung the song with Queeni Fernandes. The lyrics of the song are written by Ghatwal and Roque Lazarus. The main float parade of the festival will be held in the capital city of Panaji on March 2 followed by parades in other towns across the state. The float parade will be held in Margao on March 3, Vasco, Ponda and Curchorem on March 4, while in Mapusa, Morjim, and Shiroda, the float parades will be held on March 5. “We are promoting Carnival worldwide with fun and fervor; tourists should come to Goa to witness our unique culture. They are invited…Khao piyo aur majja karo (eat drink and be merry),” said Tourism Minister while addressing a press conference in Panaji. Ajgaonkar appealed to Carnival revelers to stay away from drugs and instead enjoy ‘cashew feni’ claiming that it has medicinal importance. He informed that well-known entertainment icon and ace dance performer, William Anes has been […]

The much hyped opening ceremony of the 49th International Film Festival of India got off to a delayed start sans the glitterati at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. After much anticipation, it began with a Bollywood dance sequence, beating of the dhols, some aerial stunts on numbers from Bajirao Mastani, Bahubali, etc. Secretary of Information and broadcasting, Amit Khare welcomed the dignitaries and cine enthusiasts present for the 49th edition of the film festival that first began in 1952. He also congratulated the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dan Wolman. Praising Indian cinema’s progress, with films like Padman and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, he said: “films are becoming strong messages of social change. The entertainment industry is providing revenue and growth and generating employment.” It was at least half an hour into the ceremony at this point, when superstar, Akshay Kumar and producer and director Karan Johar walked in to some cheering from the audience. The cast and crew of the opening film, ‘The Aspern Papers’ were called up onto the stage after a trailer of the film – it will have its world premiere here. Playback singer, Shilpa Rao with her troupe enthralled the audience with some romantic […]

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 […]

On June 29 the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul who are considered as the pillars of Christianity. In Goa, this feast is celebrated by the fishing community of Goa as a tribute to St. Peter who was a fisherman by profession. The festivities are marked by making a ‘Sangodd’, which is made by joining 3-5 canoes which symbolises the contribution of St. Peter and St. Paul towards the building of the Catholic Church. On this day the fishermen offer prayers to the Almighty by reciting prayers and litany, and also remember their colleagues who have departed. NT GoGoaNow gets you the festive celebrations of ‘Sangodd’ held in Candolim (Sangodd de Candolim).   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 procession of saints, also known as ‘Santachem Pursanv’ or ‘Ordem Terceria’ will be held at St Andrews Church at Goa Velha on March 19, the 5th Monday of the lent season. There will be a Eucharistic celebration at 4.30 p.m. which will be followed by the procession. Since this event is held during the lent season, it is actually referred as a ‘Penitential procession’. This is only of its kind procession in the world which is carried out with life size idols of the saints. The procession was also observed in the Portuguese colony of Bahia de Todos os Santos in Brazil, but was later banned. Though there were 65 statues when the procession was first started their number has been reduced to 31 now as some of them got damaged due to disuse after Queen Maria II of Portugal along with Portuguese ruler, Marquis of Pombal, banished all religious decrees from Portuguese colonies in 1835. The procession was thereafter revived in the late 19th century. The procession of saints is led by a frame carrying the ‘Veil of Veronica’. The 1st charol that comes out of the church is the ‘Tau cross’, the insignia of the Franciscan order, […]

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

Ponda, the cultural capital of the state will witness Shigmotsav programmes from February 27 to March 4 The festivities will begin with paying obeisance to Goddess Mahalasa at Mardol-Priol. The Shigmotsav float parade will be held on March 3, Informed president of Shigmotsav commit-tee Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar. Addressing the gathering after a meeting in Ponda recently, Dhavalikar said that this is for the first time that a meeting is held with the sarpanch and panch members of all the village panchayats in Ponda and Zilla Panchayat members along with the members of the Ponda Municipal Council. “When we say ‘Ponda Shigmotsav’, it should include everyone. From this year, panchayats will play an active role informed Dhavalikar. While informing about the competitions, Dhavalikar said that the prize money has been increased in order to give credit to the creativity of the ar-tistes. Ponda taluka values art and artistes, hence, the prize money is revised. There will be three com-petitions. For Chitrarath float competition, the first prize is Its 85,000, second prize of Its 65,000, third prize of Its so,000 along with consolation prizes and honorarium. For Romtamel competition, the first prize will be Its 65,000, second prize Its 45,000 and third […]

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