With the aim of binding communities, exchanging ideas and reviving Goa's traditions and culture, the festival team will host the 'Patoiachem Fest', 'Festival of Plants and Flowers', 'St Mathias Bonderam Pasoi' and 'Matiechem Fest' in Goa, this year.
The idea of these festivals is to empower Goans to showcase their heritage, food, music, culture, etc.
Speaking to the media, curator, Marius Fernandes said, "We want to empower people, and at the same time, make the fest accessible and inclusive so that anybody and everybody can join and be part of it."
"Our idea is also to eliminate single-use-plastic and make them zero-waste fests," said Fernandes.
These festivals will consist of workshops, demonstrations, talks, etc.
August 15, 2022: Patoiachem Fest
Patoyo, patholeo or patholi are a traditional delicacy prepared in Goan homes on certain feasts or festivals. You can find these rice parcels (stuffed with mixture of jaggery and grated coconut, wrapped in tumeric leaves, and steamed), in both Hindu and Christians homes.
Senior Journalist, Prakash Kamat, spoke about the 'Patoiachem Fest' and said, "August 15 is the Feast of Our Lady of Assumption among Goa's Catholics. People in most homes in Goa make patoleos. Therefore, we want people to come out and make them as a community and impart the knowledge to others, and especially to the younger generation."
The 'Patoiachem Fest' is all set to be held on August 15, 2022 at Madkai from 11am to 4pm.
August 20, 2022: Festival of Plants and Flowers
Teacher of St Francis Xavier's High School, Siolim, Seby Diago Pinto, while talking about the upcoming Festival of Plants and Flowers on August 20, 2022, said that the school has been hosting this festival for over 30 years.
"We are going to have an exhibition and sale of plants. There will be a grafting workshop, drawing competition, flower rangoli making and awareness programme," said Pinto.
A project, 'Save Our Soil', will be undertaken and presented by the students of the Higher Secondary section.
August 20, 2022: St Mathias Bonderam Pasoi
Bonderam is a traditional festival that takes place on the island of Divar, North Goa. It is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety by the local populace. This year, the festival team has planned on hosting a pasoi (walk), which will commence at 3 pm.
Its purpose is to educate people about the festival and explain the signifcance and traditional practices associated with the festival of Bonderam.
October 2, 2022: Matiechem Fest
Pottery had its roots in the village of Pilerne in North Goa. Tracing the history and bringing back the potters to the village of Pilerne, the 'Matiechem Fest' will be held on October 2, 2022 at St John the Baptist Church, Pilerne.
This festival will focus on the potters, pottery and clay, and will shed light on various forgotten aspects of this traditional craft.
DETAILS:
1. Patoiachem Fest: August 15, 2022 from 11am to 4pm at Madkai.
2. Festival of Plants and Flowers: August 20, 2022 at SFX, Siolim.
3. St Mathias Bonderam Pasoi: August 20, 2022 at Divar island from 3 pm onwards.
4. Matiechem Fest: October 2, 2022 at St John the Baptist Church grounds, Pilerne, from 10 am to 3pm.