Team Goemkarponn
QUEPEM: More than 100 Ghumat Aarti groups participated in a series of workshops organised across the Kushavati District, aimed at strengthening interest in and preserving Goa’s traditional Ghumat Aarti heritage.
Five workshops were conducted as part of the initiative, bringing together traditional performers and groups from across the district. Following the workshops, participating groups were provided with Ghumat and Shamel instruments.
The instruments were distributed by Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar, former Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of Kala Academy, in the presence of Kala Academy Member Secretary Shankar Gaonkar, PDO Pradeep Gaonkar, former ZP Vice President Kushali Velip, Khola Sarpanch Babu Padhari Prabhudessai and other dignitaries.
Kavlekar stressed the need to safeguard Ghumat Aarti, describing it as an important part of Goa’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
He said initiatives that provide instruments and training to local groups can help encourage artists, strengthen community-based cultural groups and motivate younger generations to learn and continue traditional art forms.
Kavlekar also acknowledged the participation of the various groups and appreciated the efforts of the organisers, artists and others involved in conducting the workshops and subsequent distribution of instruments.
The programme is expected to give participating groups additional support to continue practising and promoting Ghumat Aarti while helping ensure that the traditional art form remains connected to younger generations.
