Semana da Cultura says suswagatham to Marathi

Fernando Monte Da Silva

fernando@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: This may appear to be a bit of a ‘cultura’ surprise for some, but in reality it’s not quite. For the first time since its inception in 2008, Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa will be promoting Marathi as a part of Goan culture. Jose Elmano Coelho Pereira, Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event said, “Goa and Portugal are regions that are steeped in rich heritage and culture. However, with the immigration of many individuals, there has been a progression in this culture. There are certain aspects of the same culture that we have to uphold. Hence, when put to a vote, the entire community decided unanimously that Marathi must be projected as a part of Goan culture as well.”

The sixth edition of the festival to showcase, record and remember the cultural ties between Goa and Portugal, will therefore be more significant with the projection of Marathi as intrinsic to Goan culture. Kicking off on November 2, this year’s edition will see a multi-faceted celebration of both Indian and Portuguese culture ranging across the genres of music, cuisine, art, cinema, theatre, literature and perhaps (at a stretch, even a tiatr thrown in). The three month-long event beginning in November 2014 will culminate in February 2015 and will include interactive sessions that focus on Goan culture, a film festival, a Fado singing competition, creative writing sessions and workshops and a two-day food and music festival.

Dr Rui Carvalho Baceira, Consul General of Portugal in Goa, the Convenor of the Executive Committee made an appearance, stating “Goa is ideally placed for such a projection as it is a community that features much diversity and as such, this sixth edition of the Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa promises to be interesting.”

The celebrations will begin on November 2, marked by an interactive session titled ‘The Road Map for Tomorrow’. Held at Sunaparanta in Altinho, Panjim, it will feature renowned Goan speakers such as Isabel Santa Rita Vas, Prajal Sakharande, Sandesh Prabhudessai and Cleofato Coutinho and will be moderated by Vishnu Wagh.