A people-first celebration transforming streets into spaces for fitness, culture, creativity, and community
On January 11, 2026, a familiar stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg in Porvorim will once again shed its everyday rhythm and transform into something far more meaningful, a living, breathing community space. As Porvorim Rising hosts the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No Motor Zone), the road will belong not to vehicles, but to people, conversations, creativity, and collective celebration.
Over the years, NoMoZo has grown into one of Porvorim’s most anticipated annual events. Fitness enthusiasts, families, senior citizens, children, artists, food entrepreneurs, homegrown brands, and first-time vendors all find a place here, each adding a unique layer to the festival’s evolving identity. The event continues to reflect a strong commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and community ownership, making it a space where everyone feels welcome.
At its core, NoMoZo is a hyper-local celebration that draws its strength from the neighbourhood itself. Many of the vendors and participants are residents of Porvorim, making the event feel like a collective effort.
For artists like Vaibhav Salgaonkar, popularly known through his brand Art By Bu, NoMoZo represents far more than a marketplace. A freelance illustrator, caricaturist, visual artist, and urban sketcher based in Porvorim, Vaibhav has been part of NoMoZo for the last three years. His work, which documents everyday Goan life through sketches, caricatures, and illustrated products, resonates deeply with the event’s ethos.
He shares that he had been hearing about NoMoZo for a long time, but when he finally participated, he realised how rare such platforms are. He says it champions hyper-local talent and creates a sense of familiarity and local pride, feeling less like a market and more like a celebration of homegrown creativity.
Vaibhav credits NoMoZo with helping him connect directly with audiences who value local art. He notes that people who discovered his work here have continued to support it long after the event, adding that this kind of organic, word-of-mouth growth is invaluable. His expectations from this year’s edition centre around meaningful interactions rather than numbers alone.
He adds that events like NoMoZo provide visibility, validation, and a sense of belonging to small businesses, creating a platform where local creators are taken seriously and given equal footing, which is crucial for sustaining independent work. The seventh edition feels special to him as it reflects how far the event has come. He expects a well-curated, vibrant space that continues to strengthen Porvorim’s creative ecosystem while giving visitors an authentic local experience.
Some businesses have grown alongside NoMoZo since its earliest days. Kiraan Thakur, founder of Nnazaquat, marks three decades in business this year and has been associated with NoMoZo since its first edition.
Kiraan recalls that the concept of a no motor zone was appealing from the start, especially since it was happening in Porvorim, which is also their workplace, making participation feel natural. Over the years, the event has helped the brand connect with local residents and build strong community ties. He says many people from Porvorim later became regular customers, helping the business grow steadily.
He also highlights the thoughtful organisation behind NoMoZo, including reasonable stall rentals, transparent processes, and strong publicity, which have ensured that small businesses feel supported. As the seventh edition approaches, expectations remain optimistic for good footfall, positive engagement, and another successful day for the community.
For home-based food entrepreneurs, NoMoZo offers a rare opportunity to step out, be seen, and be heard. Sandesh Amonkar of Varsha Catering, a resident of Porvorim, specialises in authentic homemade fare ranging from masala chicken and chicken xacuti to Ross omelettes and spiced sweet corn.
Sandesh says that at the event, they meet people from different backgrounds. Porvorikars visit the stall, taste the food, give feedback, and provide opportunities to expand the business. Even while operating on a limited scale, he says they gain more contacts through these interactions and feels blessed to be part of the venture.
He adds that once all products are sold out, he becomes part of the celebration, dancing, enjoying, and mingling with other vendors. He says the arrangements are always perfect, with all facilities in place, and the atmosphere remains joyful.
Sandesh also expresses appreciation for the support from local leadership, stating that he values the encouragement from MLA Rohan A. Khaunte. He says the MLA’s innovative approach and personal connection with the community make a big difference, noting that remembering people he meets is a special quality.
He concludes by saying that being part of NoMoZo is a matter of pride for Porvorikars, as it gives recognition to local outlets and makes them feel acknowledged. He adds that all the programmes are informative and fascinating, and they look forward to another successful edition.
Organic and sustainable businesses have also found strong footing at NoMoZo. Siddesh Valvaikar, founder of Koshaa Organic Store in Porvorim, has been participating since 2023. His store focuses on organic, natural, and eco-friendly products sourced directly from farmers and small enterprises.
Siddesh says what initially drew him was the vibe, describing NoMoZo as a celebration rather than just an event. Over the last three editions, he has seen a noticeable increase in local visibility and engagement, adding that it helps reach the right audience who are curious, conscious, and open to conversations.
This year, he looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. He says it is about sharing their work, exchanging ideas, and being part of a larger, conscious ecosystem, adding that platforms like NoMoZo play a crucial role in building trust for small, local brands.
As NoMoZo enters its seventh edition, its significance lies not in numbers or scale, but in continuity. It has demonstrated how public spaces can be reclaimed for people, how local economies can be strengthened through community-led initiatives, and how simple ideas like closing a road to traffic can open doors to deeper social connections.
In a rapidly developing Porvorim, NoMoZo serves as a reminder that progress is not only about infrastructure, but also about preserving spaces for interaction, expression, and shared experiences. On January 11, when the street once again fills with laughter, music, conversations, and creativity, NoMoZo will stand as a testament to what happens when a community comes together not in haste, but in harmony.
