MARGAO: The first edition of prestigious Goa Heritage Festival, began at the Opinion Poll square at Ravindra Bhavan in Fatorda on Thursday.
The festival was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, IAS. Commissioner and Secretary Finance Daulat Hawaldar, Secretary Tourism J Ashok Kumar, IAS, Director Tourism Sanjiv Gadkar and others were present on the occasion.
On the first day, Goa’s Nightingale Lorna enthralled the people live followed by a performance by Forefront and Lynx.
Handicraft stalls, drawing competition themed on Fatorda heritage, heritage walks, photography competition on heritage of Fatorda and exhibition of heritage books and literature was a part of the celebration. Stalls of traditional Goan food have been set up and they are receiving tremendous response on its first evening.
Daulat Hawaldar said, “This festival underlines the importance of the legacy of Goa and the need for its protection. Language and culture is the intangible heritage of Goa. The state here is talking about conserving buildings, architecture and the spaces.”
“The Portuguese colonial influence is one of the important influences and has marked its difference in Goa,” he added.
“Apart from the private houses, the government has plans to protect the houses of artists like Dinannath Dalal, Bakibab Borkar an Ravindra Kelekar. The Government has a scheme to protect all their houses, artefacts and libraries in the memories of the artists. By way of conserving we are linking the Heritage and tourism,” Hawaldar informed.
