Literature, art, stories, food were among the many subjects that were part of the first edition of the Liberty and Light Festival, curated by the community, 'a people's festival of Ideas'.
The three-day festival was held at Maquinez Palace, Entertainment Society of Goa, Panjim. During the festival, various sessions, talks and activities were held.
Day 1 of the festival saw a walk at the Panjim market. This was curated by Goa-based chef, Avinash Martins, and Mumbai-based chef, Thomas Zacharias. Over 50 participants took part in the walk, exploring the fish, fruit and vegetable market of Panjim.
The festival also hosted a discussion by managing director, Boston Consulting Group (India), Rahool Pai Panandikar.
The book entitled 'The Wait and Other Stories’ by Jnanapeeth award winner, Damodar Mauzo, was also released on the occasion.
Author Sujatha Gidla, while speaking about her book ‘Ants among Elephants’ threw light on the trials and tribulations of a Dalit family in modern India.
The participants of the event got to know from chef Thomas Zacharias about the 'Locavore' story. He spoke about how he as a chef struggled to connect to local producers and farmers. The fruitful discussion also had some very interesting topics which were covered.
Goa’s very popular fadista, Sonia Shirsat, was also seen grabbing the attention of the audience and making them sing popular mando ‘Adeus Korcho Vello Paulo’ on the stairs of Old GMC building.
Imphal-based Manipuri activist singer, Akhu and Shillong-based pop-rocker, Lou Majaw enthralled the audience with their musical performances. And, that wasn’t all, as there were popular stand-up comedians Daniel Fernandes and Omkar Rege.
Rap music by a singer belonging to the Dalit community, Dule Rocker from Odisha, also performed at the festival.
People also got to listen to some of the finest jazz music by Goa’s famed Braz Gonsalves (88) and his quintet, along with his wife, Yvonne (75) and grandson Jarryd.