Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Directorate of Art and Culture has invited applications for the registration of Goan Maand groups across the State under the Government’s scheme for the revival, preservation and protection of Goan Maand culture.
The initiative aims to create an authentic and comprehensive record of traditional Maand practices while extending structured institutional support to safeguard this vital element of Goa’s intangible cultural heritage.
Maand traditions, regarded as the cultural backbone of many villages and communities in Goa, are traditionally practiced in temple premises, village grounds and other community spaces. Sustained over generations through collective participation and oral transmission, these traditions encompass a rich range of folk forms, music, rituals and performances unique to the State.
Recognising the need to preserve these living traditions in their authentic form, the Government has opened registration to all genuine and interested Maand groups, subject to scrutiny. The registration process will document details of the Maand Guru or Maandeli, group members and trainees, the specific Maand tradition practiced and its continuity within the community.
Applications must be supported by certification from peers, senior artists or community elders, acknowledging the traditional and community-based nature of Maand practices. All applications received will be scrutinised by the Government-constituted Committee on Maand Culture to assess authenticity and eligibility in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Under the scheme, the Government proposes to extend assistance—subject to scrutiny and availability of funds—for repair and maintenance of traditional musical instruments, purchase of new folk instruments, costumes, preparation and upkeep of Maand grounds, and support to Maand Gurus and students undergoing training. The objective is to ensure continuity and inter-generational transmission of Maand traditions.
For financial propriety and transparency, assistance under the scheme will be released only through bank accounts maintained with Nationalised/PSU Banks or Co-operative Banks. Such accounts may be in the name of the Temple Committee, Village Committee, recognised Village or Maand group, or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in accordance with prevailing local and traditional practices.
Prescribed registration forms are available from February 10, 2026, at the Directorate of Art and Culture. Interested Maand groups must submit their duly completed applications along with required enclosures on or before February 20, 2026, to the Directorate of Art and Culture, Panaji. Applications received after the stipulated date will not be considered.
The announcement was issued by the Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa.
