Our spaces whisper stories, the cracked walls or the old knitted centrepiece hold much of what’s left unsaid. Not just an inheritance, heritage is a legacy that’s entrusted to us, often reflected in reminiscences.
Goa is one such state that boasts a rich cultural, built and intangible heritage and has countless tales waiting to be discovered.
Celebrating Goa’s wealthy heritage, a first-of-its-kind, Heritage First Festival will kick off on November 15, 2024, letting one explore and appreciate Goa’s heritage in all its glory.
Organised by Heritage First Goa, a new not-for-profit organisation founded by eminent heritage proponents Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija and Snigdha Manchanda, the festival aims to raise awareness and make the conservation of the state’s wealthy heritage accessible and relevant to all.
Speaking about what inspired the creation of such a festival, Heta Pandit, who is also an independent researcher, writer, publisher and heritage home owner, said, “We believe Goa has an irreplaceable heritage, and there are several people who want to learn more about it. We want to create opportunities in which we can make learning about accessible.”
“In this edition, we have several walks and workshops through which people can learn and experience Goa’s heritage in person, and when you do that, we think your love for the state can only grow. With this, we hope people learn to cherish our heritage and protect it for the future,” she added.
Stretching from in the north to Rachol in the south, the fest will comprise four categories, including built heritage, nature and biodiversity, arts and crafts, and workshops. With around 27 domain-expert curators, a series of 32 informative walks and workshops will held across the duration of the festival.
“As a tribute to Goa’s motorcycle pilots who have been ferrying people in Goa with so much trust and care for many decades, we are calling the people facilitating our walks ‘Festival Pilots’ who will help us learn about and explore Goa,” explained Jack Ajit Sukhija, TTAG President.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: Each walk and workshop at the festival will celebrate Goa’s built, cultural and natural heritage. Additionally, the festival will let everyone immerse in Goa’ treasures. History lovers can peek into the state’s past while exploring its iconic landmarks. Architecture enthusiasts can discover her unique styles and influences and nature and fans can learn about her key ecosystems like the khazans.
Even art aficionados can join workshops on traditional art forms like kaavi and oviyos, or engage in creative activities like sketching, photography, poetry and watercolour painting. Not to forget the chance to visit Goa’s bustling markets and learn the ingredients that shaped her cuisine.
Those interested can book tickets on https://heritagefirstgoa.explara.com/events. All the walks have a limited capacity of 10 to 20 spots to ensure that guests engage with the Festival Pilots and have a great learning experience.
The festival is divided into two phases. “Since Goa has so much to its heritage, we have had to include many walks and workshops and make sure that interested people can attend all of them, without any overlaps. Hence, it’s spread over two weeks,” said Snigdha Manchanda.
“We think there are still many more aspects to Goa that we hope to cover in the future,” she added hoping to showcase as many of Goa’s as possible at this edition.
Promising an unforgettable experience, the Heritage First Festival will be filled with discovery and creativity. So, don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage, inspire, and celebrate Goa’s invaluable heritage.
DETAILS
WHAT: Heritage First Festival
WHEN: November 15, 2024, to December 1, 2024
TO REGISTER: Book tickets on https://heritagefirstgoa.explara.com/events
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