Festa de Goa, at Mumbai’s iconic Royal Opera House, unfolded as a welcome into the heart of Goa, revealing the timeless beauty of its culture through poetic expressions, heartfelt notes, and tantalising flavours. From the lyrical rhythms of Konkani literature to the avant-garde strokes of Souza, it offered an experience of Goa’s culture as it is meant to be – inspiring, intricate, and innovative.
Spotlighting Goa’s vibrant literary tradition, evocative art, and flavourful food, the festival featured some of the most prominent names from the world of Art and Literature.
A glimpse of the Speaker Sessions…
- Konkani City: Goa in the making of Mumbai – Damodar Mauzo in conversation with Jerry Pinto and Abhay Sardesai
- Soboicar: Konkani Catholics in Old Bombay with Jane Borges and Malvika Bhatia
- Book launch of ‘The Memory Keepers and Future Seekers: Portraits of Heritage Homes in Goa’ with Ulka Chauhan, Samira Sheth and Dean D’Cruz
- The Boy from Crawford Market: A Centenary Tribute to F.N. Souza with Vivek Menezes, Dadiba Pundole and Reema Desai Gehi
- Heard but Unseen: Goans in the Musical Conversation between India and the World with Naresh Fernandes
Goa without music? Impossible!
Goa’s musical renaissance was celebrated with profound harmonies and masterful performances by renowned fado queen – the scintillating Sonia Shirsat, as well as Echoes of Tradition by the astounding 100+ member Stuti Choral and String Ensemble from Goa conducted by the brilliant Parvesh Java.
The festival also saw a layered multi sensory narrative in the outdoor lawn with Goan inspired art installations, a live music band playing beloved Goan and retro English tunes, and a lively bazaar bringing the best of Goa’s shopping experience.
Culinary delicacies included a curated mix of Goan lip smacking food and spirits from Poie & Pao, Aiyo Patrao, and Tinto Feni Cocktail Bar, among others.
Festa de Goa indeed bridged the shores of Goa and Mumbai, exploring the rich cultural dialogue and deep connection between the two coastal gems. Viva!
Images: Jitesh R. Ghag @jiteshghag7
Text & Reel: Nichola Marie @nicholapais
@mumbaiopera
@asadlalljee
@avidlearning
@soniashirsat
@stutigoa
@janeborges87
@poie-and-pao
@aiyo.patrao.bandra
@nareshfernandes
@pundoles
@ulkachauhan
@workofartgoa
