A unique and vibrant literary festival, the Goa Book Fair, is offering an extensive selection of books, from enchanting stories for young readers to exciting fiction, insightful non-fiction, and the latest bestsellers. People from all walks of life are attending the Goa Book Fair, enjoying a fun and vibrant experience at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. The event is a perfect gathering for readers, families, and book enthusiasts to connect and celebrate literature.
A Literary Haven for All Ages
The Goa Book Fair, held till March 3, is a celebration of literature for readers of all ages. This one-of-a-kind festival offers an expansive selection of books, from enchanting tales for children to exciting fiction, thought-provoking non-fiction, and the latest bestsellers. It provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the literary world, with books catering to every taste and preference, thanks to publishers and booksellers from across India. Leonardo Fernandes, the Co-festival director, states, “The goal of this event is to help children realize the significance of books in their lives and the value of reading.” This year, the event features 51 participants, 66 book stalls, and around 152 programs designed for children.
Remo Fernandes, with his vibrant and catchy songs like ‘Maria Pitache’, brought fun and energy to the event. It was amazing to see how the music united people, especially children making them want dance freely to their heart’s content.
Connect with writers and
creative workshops
Beyond its vast collection of books, the Goa Book Fair offers attendees the unique opportunity to connect with celebrated writers and literary figures. Visitors can engage with some of the brightest minds in literature, gaining insights and inspiration. The event also features hands-on workshops, especially for children, where they can get creative and develop new skills. These activities foster a love for reading and writing from an early age, making the fair an enriching experience for all. A cheerful young boy named Anthony Crasto expressed his excitement about getting autographs from famous singers and writers, both from Goa and beyond, during the event he attended. He mentioned that he can't wait to come back with his friend’s next time.
Arundhati Chattopadhyay did a great job bringing Zai Whitaker's ‘Cobra in My Kitchen’ to life for the children. All the children had a lot of fun and attentively participated engaging themselves in the story made to come alive.
Celebrating Goan talent and cultural performances
Adding to the excitement, the festival showcases vibrant cultural performances and serves as a platform for gifted Goan authors, illustrators, and storytellers to share their creations. The festival aims to celebrate the rich literary and artistic traditions of Goa, while also nurturing a close-knit community of book lovers, writers, and creators. Whether you're an avid reader, a budding writer, or someone looking to explore the world of literature, the Goa Book Fair offers something for everyone.
Rhesa Coutinho, a recent graduate, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I witnessed how their creativity comes to life as they craft face masks using everyday materials from their homes.” She had been invited to lead a workshop for the kids during the event. The children had a fantastic time creating their own carnival masks. With colorful materials, glitter, and paints, they unleashed their creativity, designing unique and vibrant masks. The activity brought out their imagination, and they proudly wore their masterpieces, enjoying the fun and festive spirit of the carnival.