The pioneering Goa Heritage Festival which first focused attention on Panjim’s cultural and architectural heritage over two decades ago, is set for a spectacular renaissance on November 15-19, in the Campal Heritage Precinct on the Mandovi riverfront. Organized and curated by the Goa Heritage Action Group to celebrate India’s smallest state’s rich and diverse cultural legacies, there will be walks, talks, music, dance, literature and poetry, food, beverages and entertainment for the entire family from morning past sunset. "For most visitors to Goa, its heritage is restricted to the historic monuments and picturesque bylanes of the city. Goa has so much more to offer. Goa Heritage Festival 2022 will showcase glimpses of that heritage through art, music, books, talks, heritage walks, dance and more," explains Heta Pandit, Vice Chairperson of GHAG. The five day event will witness 40 Goan artists, 43 Goan craftspersons, 20 heritage walks and tours which explain facets of Goa's heritage and over 20 local culinary and beverage experiences during the festival.
The Campal Heritage Precinct will play host to this edition of the festival. "While many of the houses in this area still reflect the architectural style of an era gone by, the quiet bylanes and the beautiful FL Gomes garden with its beautiful bandstand make it the ideal backdrop to showcase some of Goa's vibrant culture and history," says Heta.
Activities through the festival include guided heritage walks across various parts of Goa, an insightful lecture series, literary and poetry sessions on Goa related themes and live music across genres. The Kids Corner will be a zone dedicated to children where they can immerse themselves in a range of activities, craft sessions, games and reading sessions.
Vivek Menezes is curating an interesting and insightful segment on literature which includes talks and book launches. Mallika Sarabhai, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, Rana Safvi, Pragya Bhagat, Nature Conservation Society and Heta Pandit (Stories from Goan Houses) will be launching their books at the festival.
Jack Ajit Sukhija is curating the heritage walks along with Heta Pandit. He says, "A unique perspective on Goa's abandoned history, heritage, and culture will be provided through the series of walking tours planned for the Goa Heritage Festival, which will be led by local experts such as Soul Travelling, Make It Happen, and other organisations. Nowadays, we have seen numerous visitors choose heritage excursions, which indicates that they are interested in learning more about Goa and how it has evolved over time."
Cezar Pinto, member of GHAG who is a curator on the art component, says, "Today many of the country's creative luminaries have moved to live in Goa. Coupled with our local artists from the state, Goa is a hub for art. Cultural heritage includes tangible culture which includes art artefacts, sculptures and buildings. This is the reason we are showcasing different forms of art in this heritage precinct. We’ve had an art competition for the students of the Goa College of Arts as well, wherein five winners are yet to be selected and their works will be displayed at the festival’s art exhibition." The members of the Goa Heritage Festival have created a platform for 46 artists which includes participants such as Rajendra Usapkar, Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal, Jimmy Devasia and Yolanda Souza among others.
A unique pop-up bazaar will feature at the festival where select local, home-grown brands will offer a glimpse into Goa's varied handicrafts, art, and other traditional produce as well as organic food and fabric stalls. The initiative by Natasha and Bhakti will offer a platform for local talent to showcase their offerings.
A Goan festival is incomplete without its cuisine, music and entertainment. Goa is famed for its cuisine. The five day event will have an array of local Goan delicacies, culinary and beverage offerings. Music and dance will be part of the celebrations. Nalini Elvino Souza's film, 'The Clube' will also be screened on November 16 at 10 am.
In partnership with A Suitable Agency, which hosts acclaimed sessions at the Sunder Nursery in New Delhi, Suitable Conversations, Campal will feature Laila Tyabji, Pablo Bartholomew, Anuradha Roy, Kartik Shanker and Fiona Fernandez. Other delegates include Asad Laljee (of the Royal Opera House in Mumbai), Siddhesh Gautam (the brilliant illustrator also known as Bakery Prasad), 2022 Jnanpith Award winner Damodar Mauzo, Surbhi Agarwal of the brave little Mussoorie Heritage Society, path-breaking publishers Panther’s Paw Publication, heritage architect Vikas Dilawari, the Moda Goa Museum, Alakananda Nag on the Armenians of India, and Mustard Seeds Art Company. On November 18, Mustard Seeds Art Company's new book, 'Stage Lights and Time to Act' will be launched at 5 pm followed by the performance of the amateur theatre group, 'It's A Bebinca Stupid!'
Jack Sukhija adds, “We have curated a selection of heritage walks which include an insightful tree walk at the Bhagwan Mahavir Garden at Campal which is being led by writer Arti Das, a city signage walk where Vishal Rawley will take participants through the signage styles from decades ago and even a bird walk organised by the Goa bird conservation network."
Murali Shankaran, Co Founder of Make It Happen, who will be hosting the Fontainhas and Campal walk says, “The heritage walks initiated by us will add unique experiences that champion local cultures and help travellers connect with local communities in a more meaningful way. The participants will be hosted by storytellers who are knowledgeable, qualified and professional unravelling the essence of the place through vivid storytelling”
Varun Hegde, director of Soul Travelling says, “For the Goa Heritage Festival, we are trying to showcase a different side of Goa through its food and taverns as a part of the 'Secret Food and Tavern Trail ' in Panjim. Here, one can get to experience a six course meal, with stories, games and drinks as we visit some of the most unique places in Panjim."