Margao; January 23, 2026: The Margao Cricket Club, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium, came alive this evening as the Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 commenced, marking the start of a three-day celebration dedicated to Goa’s rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural traditions. The festival brings together authentic flavours, traditional art forms, and contemporary performances, creating a shared cultural experience for residents and visitors.
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte; Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat; Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Kedar J. Naik; MLA, Navelim Constituency, Ulhas Tuenkar; Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council, Damodar Shirodkar; Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar, and others.
The occasion also featured the felicitation of prominent local personalities including Shubham Naik, Nilesh Shirodkar, Harish Deulker, Sudha Kudalkar, and Vishwas Chari for their significant contributions to the culinary and art and culture fields.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte said that this is the second Food and Cultural Festival being organised in Margao, and Goa’s food continues to be loved by people from across the country and beyond. From North to South Goa, one can find diverse food traditions, allowing travellers to experience flavours from around the world while being in Goa.
He further stated that as a creative capital, Goa can also be informally regarded as a culinary capital, given the richness and variety of its cuisine. Being the first state to adopt regenerative tourism, the focus is on taking tourism benefits to every section of society and making the sector more inclusive. All the stalls at the festival are run by Goans, including self-help groups, with home-made products. Along with this, local artists are provided a platform to showcase their talent, ensuring that Goa’s music, food, and culture continue to offer something for everyone.
Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat stated that Goa continues to be one of the leading states on the tourism map of the country, with tourism playing a vital role in driving economic progress and livelihoods. Events and festivals such as this contribute significantly towards strengthening tourism and attracting visitors to the state. He further congratulated Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte and Chairman, GTDC, Kedar J. Naik for organising such initiatives, noting that well-planned festivals add vibrancy to Goa’s tourism calendar. He also observed that the strong response from visitors and high occupancy across hotels reflect the importance of tourism-related activities.
Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Kedar J. Naik stated that the festival brings back fond memories from his younger days when it was held at Miramar and regularly attended. Over the years, the festival has continued to benefit self-help groups and local communities by providing them with an important platform. It offers an opportunity to showcase authentic Goan delicacies while helping preserve local traditions. At the same time, it provides a stage for folk dancers and musicians to present their talent and keep Goa’s cultural expressions vibrant.
MLA, Navelim Constituency, Ulhas Tuenkar stated that the government organises this festival with the objective of creating opportunities for local communities. The majority of stalls are run by Goans, including self-help groups, giving them a platform to showcase their products and earn through their skills. Such initiatives help strengthen livelihoods while celebrating Goa’s food and cultural traditions.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik stated that the Food and Cultural Festival is a celebration of flavours, traditions, and the vibrant spirit of the land. It brings together the richness of Goan cuisine, the rhythm of culture, and the warmth of the people under one roof. He expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who worked towards making the festival a success and invited residents and visitors alike to come together and enjoy the festivities.
The cultural programme on the opening day featured traditional Goan dance performances by the Kanta Gaude Troupe, followed by live performances by Anson, Chelsea & Jeliska Trio, Sonia Shirsat with her Band, and LYNX, setting an energetic tone for the days ahead.
Alongside performances, the festival features a wide array of stalls offering authentic Goan cuisine, traditional delicacies, local crafts, and handmade products, providing a valuable platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs while allowing visitors to engage closely with Goa’s culinary and cultural richness.
The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 is part of the Department of Tourism’s broader initiative to promote Goa Beyond Beaches, encouraging visitors to explore the state’s heritage, spiritual circuits, rural hinterlands, and community-led experiences.
The festival will continue until January 25, 2026, with a diverse line-up of cultural performances and culinary showcases planned over the next two days.
