Dedicated to Goa’s heritage conservation, Heritage First Festival commences with an ode to Panaji’s rich history

Goa Khabar : Commencing a journey with renewed vigour in spreading awareness about the conservation of Goa’s built, natural and cultural heritage, the Heritage First Festival 2024 was recently unveiled by Heritage First Goa directors Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija and Snigdha Manchanda amidst the verdant and historical Jardim Garcia de Orta (Panjim Municipal Garden). 

“Everyone living in or visiting Goa, has their own idea of Goa, and Goa’s history ultimately comes full circle. You can go anywhere in Goa, turn the same corner every time, and still find something new – this is the beauty of this tiny state. Through this and following initiatives Heritage First Goa plans to learn, educate, share and celebrate Goa’s newness in the old, a rich exploration of its history, natural beauty and culture through walks, workshops, presentations, lectures and publications. Above all, Heritage First Goa will put Goa and its heritage, its people, first,” stated Pandit, an independent researcher, writer, publisher and heritage home owner.

The festival, which commenced on November 15, will feature 32 walks and workshops spanning across Goa, led by 27 ‘Festival Pilots’ or domain-expert curators. Participants will gain immersive, lesser-known insights into the cosmopolitanism that influences Goa’s unique architecture, traditional artforms like kaavi and oviyos, and ecosystems like the khazans.

“Heritage First Festival celebrates Goa’s built, natural and cultural heritage. However, we can only celebrate what we understand when we engage ourselves in such learning opportunities.The intention of the festival is to create multiple experiences through which you can learn about landscape, architecture, biodiversity, food and so much more. We’ve curated these walks with experts and enthusiasts who will take you on a memorable journey and hopefully spark or reignite your love for Goa,” said Manchanda, who is also India’s first certified tea sommelier.

“Our entire team has put together a wonderful festival, and I am grateful to everyone for making the Heritage FIrst Festival possible. Our first walk will begin in the heart of the city of Panaji, and we will share some more insights into what makes Panaji the city it is today,” said Sukhija, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).

The directors were also joined by noteworthy individuals whose lives and livelihoods are intertwined with their location around Jardim Garcia de Orta and Panaji. Raj Vaidya, the owner of Hindu Pharmacy, Nenette Fernandez, the owner of Mr. Baker, the owner of Kokum Curry Sapna Sardessai, and eminent Goan historian Dr Celsa Pinto, recounted Panaji’s rich history and their experiences around Jardim Garcia de Orta, in the spirit of the festival.

As the festival aims to make each walk and workshop as interactive and immersive as possible, there are limited slots. To book a slot for the Heritage First Festival’s walks and workshops, please visit: https://heritagefirstgoa.explara.com/events.