Event will feature interactive workshops for students and local artists
Panaji: Miramar Beach will host the Goa Sand Art Festival (GSAF), a two-week free-to-view cultural event from November 14 to 30 this year, which the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has greenlighted.
The decision follows a detailed review of the proposal submitted by the event organisers, Sand Cult, who plan to utilise approximately 15,000 sqft of beach area for the festival.
The proposal, submitted in July, offered two options—a short-term free festival or a six-month paid exhibition. After evaluating both against environmental regulations, coastal conditions, and ecological impact, GCZMA granted approval for the short-duration format, citing its limited footprint and easier management.
The festival will feature sand sculpting displays, interactive workshops for students and local artistes, and school engagement programmes focused on Goa’s sustainable development goals. The organisers highlighted the festival’s potential to enrich Goa’s cultural tourism, boost local employment, and foster community involvement.
The Tourism Department had earlier advised the organisers to obtain a no-objection certificate from GCZMA, as the venue lies within the Coastal Regulation Zone. The Authority’s review included compliance with CRZ Notification, 2011, waste management, and crowd control measures. Temporary structures like tents may be permitted, but no permanent constructions will be allowed.
GCZMA said there is a need for strictly adhering to environmental safeguards and maintenance of beach cleanliness throughout the event, reinforcing the need to balance cultural initiatives with coastal conservation.
