The three-day Goa Heritage Festival, which ran from 28th to 30th April 2023, was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, along with Hon Minister of State for Tourism and Ports Shri Shripad Naik, Shri Nilkant Halarkar Hon Minister Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Shri Kedar Naik (MLA Saligao) Shri Carlos Ferreira (MLA Aldona), Smt Delilah Lobo (MLA Siolim), Shri Sanjeev Ahuja (Secretary Tourism), Shri Suneel Anchipaka IAS (Director Tourism), Shri Nilesh Shah (President TTAG), Sarpanch, and other dignitaries.
The festival showcased a range of traditional Goan art forms, music, dance, local cuisines, and much more. Visitors were treated to heritage displays, pottery demonstrations, and feni distillation, among other highlights. Stalls set up by local communities and self-help groups offered food, beverages, and handicrafts, attracting both local and tourist crowds.
Renowned Goan artist Lorna Cordeiro enthralled the audience with her melodious Konkani songs, followed by captivating performances by popular bands from Goa.
The festival provided a platform for the local community to showcase their unique traditions, customs, and talents, and it was open and free for everyone to enjoy music, dance performances, and tempting cuisines. The event attracted a huge crowd including the large number of walk-in and walk-out visitors, locals and tourists who grooved to the folk music and dance performances while enjoying local Goan cuisines.
“We are delighted to see the enthusiasm and participation of the local community and tourists in the Goa Heritage Festival. This event provides a great opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of our state, which is not only important for tourism but also for preserving our culture and traditions,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants for making the event a grand success and for celebrating the state’s diverse cultural heritage.