The 13th most populous city in the United Kingdom is the home to nearly 15,000 members of the Goan, Daman and Diu community. With many people settled in the country for over two decades, their unity is very strong. The first-ever inclusive Goa, Daman and Diu Fest was held recently at Belgrave Gate, Leicester, uniting the rich cultural heritage of the three former Portuguese territories. Curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes, it was a huge homecoming gift that he brought to the residents as he was brought up in the very city.
The event saw the presence of assistant mayor of Leicester, Manjula Sood MBE, and Manjit Singh, renowned as the ‘Iron Man of Leicester’ for holding 72 world records, Shakila Sheikh, former All India Radio radiojockey, Stella Styliani, director of Leicester Hemophilia and many others.
Fatima Fernandes introduced the fest and festival coordinator, Steve White MBE, warmly welcomed guests from Goa, Daman, and Diu, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and cultural exchange. Special recognition was bestowed upon Marius, who received a Queen’s medal for his outstanding work in environmental and social responsibility in Goa and Leicester.
During the festival, Marius Fernandes shared insights into Goa, Daman and Diu culture, highlighting the significance of the traditional Goan percussion instrument, ghumot, and the UN’s designated crop of the year 2023, millets. Additionally, he established connections between the Leicester Hemophilia and the Panjim chapter, Goa Hemophilia, fostering collaborations in the medical field.
A remarkable workshop on making Millet-based porridge (Tizann) was conducted by Marius, and the Goa College of Agriculture, Ela, Old Goa generously provided millet seeds to Dhirubhai Shah, with the intention of supporting farmers in Uganda. “I brought eight types of millets from Goa in the hope of organising a first ever Millets Fest in Europe which was held in Leicester, UK. Besides the flour, I also brought the seeds which will be taken to Uganda, Africa and hopefully will start a millet revolution. Besides being gluten free, millets are easy to grow and needs much less water and can be grown on slopes. It should be considered as a food of the future. I showcased Sorghum millet (Jowar), Proso millet, Pearl millet (Bajra), Foxtail millet, Finger millet (Ragi), Browntop millet, Barnyard millet and Little millet. These millets will be making a journey of three continents from Asia, Europe to Africa,” says Marius.
Maria Fernandes and John Fernandes originally from Curtorim, organised a vibrant flower-making workshop, while Gemma Fernandes, daughter of Marius, who now lives in Leicester, presented the hand-made flowers to Manjit Singh and Asha also a holder of many world records. The event was further enriched by enchanting Konkani music playing in the background, creating an atmosphere of cultural immersion. A beautiful display of Goan heritage items from Goa in the form of Kunbi table cloth, ghumot, gurguret, dhovlo etc invited the curiosity of the festival attendees from Daman and Diu.
Food enthusiasts were treated to a delightful feast from the Indian subcontinent, providing a culinary journey that showcased diverse flavors and aromas. The festival’s grand finale included an invitation from Marius Fernandes to the gathering, extending an invitation to the upcoming Cajuchem Fest in Goa in February 2024. The festival was a resounding success, reflecting the vibrant spirit of multicultural unity and celebrating the cultural richness of Goa, Daman, and Diu while embracing the diverse community of Leicester.
The first ever Millets Fest in Europe will be curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes and coordinated by Steve White MBE in Leicester, UK on August 10 celebrating the cuisine, music, heritage, culture of Goa, Gujarat and Punjab.