Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa inaugurated its first Forest Diversity Festival, a celebration of the state’s rich forest ecosystems and the communities that have coexisted with them for generations. The festival was officially opened by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Union Minister Shripad Naik, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and PCCF Kamal Datta.
The festival aims to connect people with forests beyond statistics, offering immersive experiences that combine culture, art, food, and sustainable living practices. It provides a platform for dialogue, awareness, and collective action to protect Goa’s biodiversity while celebrating its traditions.
A key feature is the Angon Experience, a traditional space showcasing live demonstrations of local crafts and practices. Visitors can watch Chanekars and Khajekars at work, see coconut and clay pottery crafts, gardening techniques, Kokedama art, and other sustainable practices preserved over generations.
The Forest Kitchen highlights tribal and forest-inspired cuisine prepared by Self-Help Groups, offering dishes that reflect seasonal cycles, ecological balance, and respect for nature. The Green Bazaar features eco-friendly products and forest-based goods, supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The festival reinforces that environmental conservation and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.
Cultural performances were a central attraction, with the opening ceremony featuring music by Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra, followed by Morulo Dance, Katti Fugdi, Jagor Act, and a forest-themed light show by Vajra Aigal.
Speaking at the event, GFDC Chairperson Dr. Deviya Rane highlighted the festival’s focus on community engagement in conservation. She announced plans for a Mini Forest in Panaji, transforming 20 festival stalls into permanent structures for artisans and eco-entrepreneurs, creating an ongoing marketplace that merges sustainable livelihoods with citizen engagement.
The festival also saw the launch of the coffee table book Forest Recipes of Goa, a photo essay celebrating tribal cuisine, and the premiere of the wildlife documentary Falling of the Radar – Waterfalls of Goa, directed by Giri Cavale.
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the state’s forests, culture, and sustainability efforts in a vibrant and interactive setting.
