Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: People of all ages, young and elderly, stepped out of their homes and into the Campal Heritage Precinct in Panjim to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage at the ongoing Goa Heritage Festival.
Organised and curated once again by the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), the team has created an atmosphere of happiness and excitement with citizens of all age groups coming together in a public space to celebrate the spirit of Goa.
“My family has been living in Campal for the past 75 years, and through time I have realised that it has so much history of which we are unaware of. It is a seven-kilometre-long promenade, which many didn’t know about. This really makes you wonder, what are the other secrets of Panjim, we don’t know about?” said Derrick Rebello, a resident of Campal
In the light of sharing stories of the state, Nalini Elvino De Souza, another resident of Campal, reminisces about the Goa Heritage Festival that took place in Fontainhas many years ago which has now moved to Campal, “I am really happy that the team got together and decided to plan it out here in Campal. I remember when it happened at Fontainhas, the streets were filled with people, art and food. You would not be able to see a single person not smiling. The same has been the case here.”
The residents of Campal have opened their doors and hearts with gratitude and humility to display a variety of art pieces, books and performances. “If there is one thing that I admire the most about having it here, it is the fact that the festival is willing to show the importance and need to preserve the heritage of our state. Hopefully, people take this thought and dwell on it for a moment.” conveyed Dr Bossuet Afonso.
Adding to this, Armando Gonsalves said, “Around 7-8 homes have happily agreed to keep their doors open throughout the day to host artwork and other activities. It goes to show that not only does Campal have a great grandeur, but the unity is like no other.”
The festival has created a sense of the importance of unity, and by celebrating and cherishing the roots of the community, the festival has, without a doubt, brought back to life the heritage of the land.
