Exploring-Eating-Celebrating Goa.

The First Abolleachem Fest (Flower Festival) will be celebrated at the iconic Nirmala Institute, Panjim in March 2018.  The festival will show case Goa"s heritage food, art, music etc.  A meeting was held with the management, staff and resource persons to organise a few workshops prior to the Fest.

Christmas is a time of giving around Goa. Families and neighbours exchange home made sweets , savouries and pastries . It's and old age tradition that is still maintained in our village's.

A trip to Goa is not complete until one visits the incredible Mapusa market. This open market is a buyer's delight and a photographer joy.

The "ATMA" of Divar Island is no more. As I was  about to post a Christmas greetings to my friends, I receive the awful news that one of the greatest Divarkar has passed away to a better place.. I deeply mourn the death of my dear friend of many years Atmaram Pilgaokar, a knowledgeable male nurse, a great tiatr director and an awesome human being. Pilgaonkar Atmaram was always willing to help anyone at anytime of the day or night and that to for free,  and has been doing it for the last 40 years. Only a few weeks ago he was garnering my help to save the Ruie medicinal plant which grows abundantly in Divar. My children Gemma Fernandes and Ashley Fernandes will always remember him with great fondness as he discovered them both and encouraged them wholeheartedly. My most Heartfelt condolences to his family and his many many patients on Divar Island.

Today I was to take a reputed college on a Divadechi Pasoi but had to be postponed for a future date. Plan B,  as my nephew and niece's have just arrived from the UK I offered to take them around our beautiful island. We visited a heritage cave, prone tirth, narva chapel, a portuguese ammunition dump, and shown them a freshly blooming Cashew tree. Another amazing day in Goa. #lovegoa #beach #bread #goan #GOA #festival #beach #divar #water #walks #island 

JIVIT is one of the few Romi Konkani magazine in Goa edited by well known tiatr personality Michael Jude Gracias. #goan #GOA #festival #beach #FESTIVAL #lovegoa

The Muzgachem Fest on 9th December at Carmel college has been featured in the Romi Konkani newspaper. #goan #GOA #festival #beach #FESTIVAL #lovegoa #percussion #bonderam #lovegoa

Christmas is a unique feature of goan life with houses in villages and towns will have a star made of bamboo or plastic put up in front of the house.

Akshay Chari and Narayan Vernekar have been volunteering for last few festivals showcasing their wonderful skills. Here they are seen doing a clay model of actress Gemma Fernandes  at Carmel college for the Muzgachem Fest on 9th December 2018.#divar #painting #water #colour

Our festivals have been fortunate to have a talented and enthusiastic Gordon Mendonça who has volunteered to photograph and document our recent festivals around Goa. He took amazing photos of the Ramponnkaranchem Fest, Muzgachem Fest to name a few.

A Festival like no other,  a people's event empowering all sections of society. #goan #GOA #festival #beach #FESTIVAL #lovegoa

Mae De Deus Church was built in1873 in a gothic style. The altar, the bell was from Dauji village. #lovegoa #festival #food #indian #plantbased #hindu

Muzgachem Fest at Carmel college was a woman driven festival celebrating goan music, musicians and Konkani songs with over 750. students taking part.

Carlos Menezes is perhaps one of the last manual typist operating from Panjim near Cafe Bhosle. He is also a singer, composer, actor and a tiatrist. Here he can be seen with fellow tiatrist Gemma Fernandes.

Ekvottachem Fest on 10 December at Corlim Village was a huge success. As a thank you the villagers invited us back for a meal and discuss about the next festival.

My favourite Goan restaurant in the world.  Everyday 1pm till midnight.  next to Las Vegas supermarket,Arpora. I personally recommend the : Delicious Beef Roast, Sorpotel, Goan Chorisa Chilly Fry and the Sannas.  Personally  prepared by the owner and celebrity chef- Odemira Chagas e Silva. 

The first Ghumttachem Fest in Siridao 2017 was a great success with all communities taking part. For the first time women performed with the Ghumott in the open arena.

Carlos F Gonsalves is a familiar face at major events around Goa. A regular at Patoienchem Fest, Poderachem Fest and Zaddamcho in Socorro  is much sought after musician. Besides carrying the baton for the Ghumott worldwide he is a prolific drummer.

Bonderam is over 450 year festival celebrated in August by the St Mathias  sports club, which  is celebrating its own  golden Jubilee this year. 

One of its most famous sons and a mine of information on anything Divar, is our longtime friend, and locally known simply as Bhaie. The delivery of newspapers started by his family in the early 50's around the island of Divar and carried on to this day with Bhaie's at the helm.