The Goa Forest Diversity Festival which begins on January 17 is a celebration of Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge systems, and the deep connection between nature and local communities
Conservation, culture, inclusion, and community engagement. These are the four key elements that will come together on a single platform as the Goa Forest Diversity Festival begins this weekend in the capital city.
Envisioned as a celebration of Goa’s vast forests, the festival organised for the first time by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Limited (GFDC) will have multiple events spread across three days with the equal participation from all talukas of Goa.
Extending the idea of Goa beyond beaches, the festival aims to highlight the hidden forests and waterfalls, resorts, and homestays in the forest that are still unknown to many.
“Besides that, tourists are not aware about the tribals and the food that is indigenous to the forest. This festival aims to highlight all this and talk about the deep relationship between the forest and the communities,” says chairperson of GFDC, MLA Deviya Rane.
Apart from tourists, Rane states that, the festival also aims to educate and sensitise citizens, especially children and the youth, about forest conservation and the diversity of the forest. “We need to celebrate tradition, culture and sustainable practices of the forest in order to create a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving our natural heritage. If we don’t look after it today, there is nothing going to be remaining for our future generations,” she says.
The event will highlight traditional wisdom, culture, and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems with educational live demonstrations, panel discussions and talks.
The events for the festival, says Rane, were curated through a well-defined, multi-dimensional framework, keeping the festival’s core objectives at the centre. “The schedule consciously blends scientific knowledge sessions, traditional wisdom, and cultural expressions. Expert talks and panel discussions are complemented by folk performances, tribal dances, and fusion music, highlighting how forests influence Goa’s ecology, culture, livelihoods, and heritage, she says. “Special emphasis was placed on inclusive participation, with performances by Persons with Disabilities, self-help groups, tribal artists, women’s mandals, and grassroots cultural troupes.”
Some of the talks include ‘Forests plants, food and medicine’ by Dr. Rutuja Kotle, ‘Sacred Groves and Relearning how to live with nature’ by Benhail Antao, ‘Birds and butterflies’ by Parag Rangnekar, ‘Snake Bites’ by Dr. Freston Sirur, and a panel discussion on ‘Promotion and growth of ecotourism and homestays in Goa’. There will also be a live demonstration by bee farmers on bee farming and processing of honey in farms.
A signature attraction will be the Angan experience, an immersive traditional space where people from the forest areas will showcase the speciality of their area like bamboo, wheat, earthen wooden wares etc. There will also be live demonstrations.
Other highlights include a live demo of Kavi art by award winning artist Sagar Mule, a gaming zone showcasing old games like lagori, stalls showcasing authentic tribal flavours put up by self help groups and a Green Bazaar showcasing eco-friendly products, forest produce, and items that promote sustainable living.
There is a lot to look forward to in the entertainment section too. On the first day there will be a one act play called ‘Mhaka Naka Plastic’ by Uzwaad, a jagor act and katti fugdi by Kanta Gawde and troupe, ‘Goffdance on Wheels’ by Persons with Disabilities, morulo dance by Sateri Kelbai Lokmand, Keri. Fadista Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra will conclude proceedings.
The second day will have cultural programmes like Veer Bhadra Dance by persons with disabilities, Gaja Nritya by Chandbala Boys, fusion fashion show by noted fashion designer Verma Dmello, and a ghumot aarti and drum circle fusion by GEC Ghumost Aarti Group. Bands RASM and Gravity will be in attendance. A documentary on the waterfalls in Goa will be released promoting the hinterland tourism and taking ahead the idea of Goa beyond beaches.
Day three will include Intrumez tribal dance by Niz Kolakar Quepem, fusion dance by Mahalaxmi Shigmotsav Mandal Panaji, a fusion of tonya mell, chovrang and talgodi by Niz Kolakar, and dhalo and fugdi dance by Mahila Mandal Ghoteli Keri Sattari. Bands Shine On and Black Sapphire will end the celebrations.
(The festival is scheduled from January 17 to 19, 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at Art Park, Campal, Panaji.)
