Witnessing the unseen at the Goa Heritage Festival

Goa Khabar: The Goa Heritage Festival which came to life this week continues to celebrate the heritage of the state with residents and citizens across age groups. Introducing different traditions of the state,  many initiated and volunteered to do the same through a sequence of heritage walks such as bird walks, food trails,  medicinal plant walks, art and folk performances that have never been seen before.

Flooded with happiness and excitement, the five day festival held at Campal Precinct

featured  folk performances like Dhalo, Fugddi, Kirtan, Intruz along with a screening of Goa’s most loved musical drama film Nachom-ia Kumpasar was viewed by a huge crowd.

“It’s heartening to see the number of people who came forward to assist and volunteered to put our ideas and thoughts into action. The residents of Campal have been wonderful. It  just shows how committed we all are to keep Goan heritage alive and we are truly grateful for the same.” said Heta Pandit, Member of GHAG

The Kunbi saree, a traditional textile originating from Goa was in the spotlight as ladies sashayed down the garden path draped in the kunbi saree in various hues. Ladies across age groups participated in the unique celebration as they did the catwalk wearing the traditional sturdy red and white chequered cotton saree. History reveals that the saree was worn extensively by  the kunbi tribal women of Goa and was uniquely designed to enable the women to work freely in the fields and was comfortable enough to do household chores.

Art by 43 local artists is being displayed in the homes of residents in the heritage area. The Heritage Bistro hosts book launches and discussions every day as part of the IDEAS segment which witnessed the launch of Heta Pandit’s newest book Stories from Goan Houses and a culinary glossary by Dr. Fatima Silva Gracias.

Celebrated Indian social worker, designer, writer, and craft activist, Laila Tyabji spoke on the Kunbi saree at the festival.  “Crafts, art, folk performances, sculptures need to be recognised as luxury items and is a potential goldmine. I am thrilled that the Goa Heritage Festival has taken this initiative to let the world know the importance of them through different sets and stories.” said Laila. She added, “I have written extensively about sarees that have made an impact through its history , it continues to be my personal favourite and having the opportunity to speak to a packed- spaced audience in depth about it, is something I am eternally grateful for.

Highlights for 18th Nov:

8 am: Sketch walk by Urban Sketchers Goa at Kala Academy

10 am: Talk by Paperclip on Heritage on Social Media at Heritage Bistro

10 am: City Signage walk by Vishal Rawlley at the Post office

11 am: Talk by Vikas Dilawari at the Heritage Bistro

12pm: Talk by Alakananda Nag on Armenians of Calcutta at the Heritage Bistro

3pm: Book launch ofRiver of Stories by Orijit Sen at the Heritage Bistro

4pm: Fontainhas walk by GHAG at the Heritage Bistro

4pm: Discussion by Pablo Bartholomew at the Heritage Bistro

4pm: Tree walk by Arti Das at Bhagwan Mahavir garden

5pm: Book launch of Stage lights and time to act by the Mustard Seed Art Company at the Heritage Bistro

5pm: Discussion on It’s a Bebinca stupid by the Mustard Seed Art Company at the Heritage Bistro

7pm: Khel tiatr -Besaum Na Pesaum by Menino de Bandar Troupe at F.L Gomes garden