The Margao Cricket Club's Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium came alive as the three-day Goa Food & Cultural Festival commenced, bringing together authentic flavours, traditional art forms and contemporary performances, organisers said, and goa vendors and self-help groups ran most stalls.
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Hon'ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon'ble Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon'ble Chairman GTDC Shri Kedar J. Naik, Hon'ble MLA Navelim Constituency Shri Ulhas Tuenkar, Chairperson Margao Municipal Council Shri Damodar Shirodkar, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik and Managing Director GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar.
Organisers also felicitated local personalities including Shri Shubham Naik, Shri Nilesh Shirodkar, Shri Harish Deulker, Smt Sudha Kudalkar and Shri Vishwas Chari for contributions to culinary and cultural fields, officials said.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, "This is the second Food and Cultural Festival being organised in Margao, and Goa's food continues to be loved by people from across the country and beyond," and he added that Goa can be regarded as a culinary capital given its variety of cuisine, organisers reported.
Tourism, Local Livelihoods And Festival Impact
Shri Digambar Kamat said the State remains a leading tourism destination and that events such as this strengthen tourism and livelihoods, noting a strong response from visitors and high hotel occupancy, officials reported.
Shri Kedar J. Naik, Chairman of GTDC, recalled attending earlier editions at Miramar and said the festival benefits self-help groups and local communities by providing a platform to showcase authentic Goan delicacies and preserve traditions, organisers said.
Shri Ulhas Tuenkar said the government organises the festival to create opportunities for local communities, adding that the majority of stalls are run by Goans, including self-help groups, giving them a platform to earn through their skills, officials reported.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik described the event as "a celebration of flavours, traditions, and the vibrant spirit of our land," and thanked partners and stakeholders while inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the programme, organisers said.
The opening day programme included traditional Goan dance by the Kanta Gaude Troupe, followed by live sets from Anson, Chelsea & Jeliska Trio, Sonia Shirsat with her Band and LYNX, and the festival continues over the next two days with cultural performances and culinary showcases, organisers said.
