The Goa Heritage Festival is the most eagerly awaited festival organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa. The venue of the festival is near Mae de Deus Church, a beautiful 125-year old heritage structure in Saligao. The festival showcases the rich heritage and lifestyle of the Goan people and also aims at preserving the cultural heritage of Goa. This vibrant and colorful event coincides with World Heritage Day which also falls on April 18. The three day festival starts from April 18-21, 2013 promoting the state’s heritage.  International as well as national tourists will get an opportunity to witness the grand heritage and at the same experiencing the authentic Goan festival.

Mae de Deus Church at night Saligaon

The festival has organized numerous entertainment programs which include Goan dances like Thalia, Mando, Fugdi, Divli Dance, Modni and Fisherfolk Dance. Visitors can also witness the works of artisans displaying their crafts with live demonstrations and a special exhibition of extinct Goan traditional items like brass band, Zagor, khell, Morulo and many more. Unique stalls of pottery, woodcraft, crochet, Marco, handicrafts and coconut craft will exhibit the traditional crafts. To make the show all the more exciting, there will be a fashion show on traditional Goan wear along with Konkani songs by Sonia Shirsat and classical performance by Praveen Gaonkar. For the food lovers, visitors can indulge in exotic traditional cuisine along with popular Goan desserts. The organizers have also set up a special gallery exhibiting ancient Goan heritage photographs, historic moments of Goan history and the traditional way of life of the people. There will also be a section for heritage items used by the Goans along with Konkani books.

The festival is not only aims to celebrate or to promote the cultural heritage but also aims to inculcate awareness and appreciation of Goa’s unique culture in the hearts of Goans. So get yourself ready for seeing this splendid and exhilarating festival which will totally retreat your senses.

Read More About Festivals and Events in Goa.

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Hari Sharma is a Travel Writer with a keen interest in writing about incredible destinations. His write-ups are detailed and comprising of all relevant details that could accommodate. All write-ups are written after thorough research with a blend of creative writing that will make you travel along.