NT BUZZ
The Goa College of Agriculture (GCA), under the leadership of dean Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, will host the Honey Fest on
April 12, 3 p.m.
The festival which blends agriculture, culture, sustainability, and community spirit, will begin with the ‘Festakarachi Pasoi’ at 3 p.m. This special heritage walk led by Fernandes, will explore bee-friendly flora and witness the hiving of stingless bees, guided by Vitthal Joshi, retired deputy director of agriculture.
The event will then open with a ‘Kottieacho Nach’ a dance piece choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, followed by a surprise tribute to mark the 100th fest milestone of Festekar Fernandes.
The ‘Bolcãocheo Gozalli’ will have professor Carmelito Andrade in conversation with assistance professor Rajan Shelke on the GCA research highlights, while Andrade with Manjunath Roberts will discuss on stingless bee management. The third talk will witness Paresh Shetgaokar and Shelke talking about honey packaging
and branding.
Workshops will include ‘Beehive Installation and Care’ by Andrade and Lessely Pereira, and a Goan honey batica cooking demo
with De Ornelas.
The second year students of GCA will put up a fashion show on the theme of bees while a Konkani skit on the same theme will be staged by the first year
B.Sc. (Hons.) students.
There will also be a quiz on bees and honey conducted by Joaán Barreto and
Kirti Maneri.
Traditional performances of ‘Ghumtacho Avaz’ and ‘Kottieacho Nach’ will close the fest.
“This event is a unique blend of education and celebration — highlighting the vital role of bees in agriculture while honouring local culture and knowledge,”
says Dr. Kunkalikar.
Details: 8275330628/ 9049081961.
