NT BUZZ
A goodbye is never easy, and often it comes with tears and heartache, but a goodbye to the ‘Goencho Festakar’ was unlike others. Friends and well-wishers of the festakar of Goa, Marius Fernandes recently organised the ‘Festamkarchem fest’ to show their gratitude to the man for his contribution in preserving and conserving the rich cultural heritage of Goa through the organisation of his ‘peoples’ and eco-friendly festivals. The ‘Festamkarchem fest’ was held at Socorro Church Gardens, Socorro amidst quite a buzzing revelry. The Socorro Socio-Art and Cultural Association with the students of Nirmala Institute of Education and Carmel College for Women took a front seat in organising this event with several cultural performances and activities for participants.
Music enthusiasts led by musician Carlos Gonsalves and singer Olavo Rodrigues enthralled the gathered crowd with several performances they were joined by students who played the ghumot. There were several other performances lined up for the day giving a platform for each and every participant to showcase their skill and contribute in taking forward the Goan legacy.
There were mimes and street plays performed by the students of various colleges, and the performance of a dance-fitness routine by dance and movement therapist, Clizsma D’Costa.
The festival was also like a mini-market where there were artisans of several traditional professions – sculptors, weavers – of the baskets and the traditional chairs, broom makers, dancers, cartoonists, teachers, musicians amongst others, who made their way to the festival. On the menu was some authentic Goan food including Goan fish curry, fried fish, pickle, salad, traditional vegetable dish, and dried prawns.
The festival also saw the release of a booklet containing information on the festivals organised by Marius, along with a short biography. “The booklet has instructions for those who want to organise eco-friendly festivals that are low cost and devoid any chief guests and sponsors,” said Marius about the book. Many well-wishers and followers of the festivals organised by Marius were present for farewell fest to thank him.
Also present at the event were the parish priest of Our Lady of Soccoro Church, Fr Santana Carvalho, cartoonist Alexyz, historian Prajal Sakhardande, Minister for IT and Revenue Rohan Khaunte.
