The 'zero waste and inclusive' mango festival, curated by festakar Marius Fernandes will be held at the Caculo Mall in Panjim on April 29 and 30, 2023, from 11 am onwards.
The festival aims to celebrate the king of fruits -- the mango -- while promoting sustainable living and supporting local businesses.
To add to the festive atmosphere, a Konkani music programme, showcasing local musicians and artists, has been organised.
On Saturday, April 29, Fr Derrick Fernandes, parish priest of St John the Baptist Church Pilerne, will be in conversation with senior journalist Prakash Kamat about Matiechem Fest and the Pilerne Thursday Heritage Market.
This conversation is slated at 6 pm followed by a Konkani musical evening where Fr Derrick Fernandes will be in performance. The music will allow visitors to immerse themselves in Goan culture and add to their overall experience of the festival.
The festival will feature a range of activities and events that cater to people of all ages and backgrounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about mango grafting by the Department of Agriculture.
Workshops by Chef Maria Dias, Emera Remedios and Clavia Fernandes, who will showcase mango recipes. There will also be a sale of mango samplings.
In addition to this, the festival will also feature Bolçaocheo Gozalli by Gwendolyn De Ornelas with Nevil Alphonso, Director of Agriculture on the past, present and future of the mango and its production techniques.
Visitors will get to know the benefits of mango, its leaves and how to grow them in a sustainable way on April 30 at 4 pm.
This will be followed by Konkani Global Icon Award winner Angelo Fernandes singing his Konkani melodies and his own original composition Valor Ambeacho at 6 pm.
A very special birthday celebration of the late great Goan artist of three continents Vamona Navelkar will be held at 6.30 pm.
According to Marius Fernandes, the festival will be a great example of how events can be organized in an environmentally friendly manner.
"I am thrilled to be organising this festival and appeal to everyone to support the vendors from the marog (streets) to the mall this weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone there," he said.
DETAILS
WHAT: Mango Festival
WHEN: April 29-30, 11 am onwards
WHERE: Caculo Mall, St Inez, Panjim