Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Forest Diversity Festival unfolded as a vibrant celebration of nature, culture and community, bringing the State’s rich forest heritage closer to the people, Poriem MLA Dr Deviya Rane said while sharing glimpses from Day 1 of the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rane highlighted that the festival offered immersive, forest-inspired experiences that reflected the deep connection between forests and local communities. “From the traditional Angon space to thoughtfully curated stalls showcasing eco-friendly products, forest-based produce, local crafts and sustainable livelihoods, the festival truly brought Goa’s forests to the heart of the people,” she said.
Dr Rane also expressed her delight at the launch of the coffee table book Forest Recipes of Goa – Stories of Tribal Food, a photo-essay by Ms Assavri Kulkarni, published by the Goa Forest Development Corporation. She described the publication as a deeply personal and compelling documentation of Goa’s age-old tribal food traditions.
“This beautiful work captures how food, forests, memory and identity are inseparable. Through powerful visuals and narratives, it traces the influence of seasons, sacred groves, festivals and survival on indigenous food practices, preserving stories that are fragile yet profoundly rooted in the interiors of Goa,” Dr Rane said.
She also extended her sincere gratitude to corporate partners Vedanta Sesa Goa, Fomento and IHCL Taj for their invaluable support in bringing the publication to life. “Their commitment towards sustainability, culture and heritage is truly appreciated,” she added.
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival continues to serve as a platform to celebrate biodiversity, promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the bond between communities and forests.
