Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The pioneering Goa Heritage Festival, which first focused attention on Panjim’s cultural and architectural heritage over two decades ago, is set for a spectacular renaissance on 15-19 November in the Campal Heritage Precinct on the Mandovi riverfront. Organized and curated once again by the Goa Heritage Action Group to celebrate India’s smallest state’s rich and diverse cultural legacies, there will be walks, talks, music, dance, literature and poetry, food, beverages and entertainment for the entire family from morning past sunset.
Explained Heta Pandit, Vice Chairperson of GHAG, “For most visitors to Goa, its heritage is restricted to the historical monuments and picturesque bylanes of the city. Goa has so much more to offer. Goa Heritage Festival 2022 will showcase glimpses of that heritage through art, music, books, talks, heritage walks, dance and more.”
The five-day event will witness 40 Goan artists, 43 Goan craftspersons, 20 heritage walks and tours which explain facets of Goa’s heritage and over 20 local culinary and beverage experiences during the festival.
Activities through the festival include guided heritage walks across various parts of Goa, an insightful lecture series, literary and poetry sessions on Goa-related themes and live music across genres. The Kids Corner will be a zone dedicated to children where they can immerse themselves in a range of activities, craft sessions, games and reading sessions.
Vivek Menezes is curating an interesting and insightful segment on literature which includes talks and book launches. Mallika Sarabhai, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, Rana Safvi, Pragya Bhagat, Nature Conservation Society, and Heta Pandit (Stories from Goan Houses) will be launching their books at the festival.
A unique pop-up bazaar will feature at the festival where select local, home-grown brands will offer a glimpse into Goa’s varied handicrafts, art, and other traditional produce, as well as organic food and fabric stalls. The initiative by Natasha and Bhakti will offer a platform for local talent to showcase their offerings.
A Goan festival is incomplete without its cuisine, music and entertainment. Goa is famed for its cuisine. The five-day event will have an array of local Goan delicacies, and culinary and beverage offerings. Music and dance will be part of the celebrations.
Since its inception in 2000 the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) has brought to the fore Goa’s heritage and culture through a series of events, festivals, talks, seminars, research projects and white papers. GHAG has made a consistent effort to highlight the status of Goan heritage both to the general public and to the state authorities and bureaucracy.
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