Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Undeterred by continuous rain, the Deepotsav-2025 celebrations organised by the Canacona Cultural Academy concluded on a colourful and successful note on October 24. Though the downpour forced organisers to shift the venue from the Shri Gaitonde Mini-Sports Complex to the Ravindra Bhavan, the festival drew a large crowd and enthusiastic participation from artists and residents alike.
The programme began with a floral tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at the KTC bus stand, Chaudi. The ceremony was attended by Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Laxuman Pagui, ZP (Poinguinim) Shobhana Velip, Poinguinim Sarpanch Savita Tawadkar, Dy. Sarpanch Sunil Paingankar, Khola Sarpanch Pradnya Kamat, several CMC councillors and panchayat members, along with Canacona Cultural Academy President Janardhan Bhandari and other local dignitaries.
The festival commenced with a Dhol-Tasha Pathak performance by the Shiv Jayanti Samaroh Samiti, followed by Lazium and Dindi presentations by students of Shradhanand Vidyalaya and the Saleri Dindi group.
Art and Culture Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar also graced the occasion, taking part in the festivities and interacting with participants. He visited stalls displaying sweet dishes, decorative lanterns (Aakash Kandil), and Pantee Sajawat, while enjoying various folk and cultural performances.
A series of competitions were organised as part of the event, with winners receiving prizes in different categories:
Fancy Dress (U-8): 1st Arya Velip, 2nd Advika Painginkar, 3rd Adhira Gaonkar
Fancy Dress (U-15): 1st Avnish Nayak, 2nd Hrishikesh Velip, 3rd Dhruvi Talpankar
Kite Flying: 1st Jai Pagi, 2nd Yash Haldankar, 3rd Yash Naik
Aakash Kandil: 1st Saisha Pagi, 2nd Payak Padkar, 3rd Kaushal Pagi
Sweet Dish: 1st Pratima Pai Khot, 2nd Anushka Shirodkar, 3rd Rupali Naik Gaonkar
Pantee Sajawat: 1st Kulshree Mhalshi, 2nd Ashvit Painginkar, 3rd Rasmika Pagi
Reel Making: 1st Jayant Velip, 2nd Shivam Parit, 3rd Rohan Komarpant
The cultural segment featured Diwali-themed dance performances by Kala Mogi Khotigao, Shaswat Poinguinim, and Kala Rang Poinguinim, while the Bhumipurush Dance Group from Palolem enthralled the audience with a vibrant Garba performance. Over 2,500 spectators attended the event despite persistent showers.
