The charm is spreading. Our Panjim of old looks so cool. Laid back cafes. Designer stores,
breakfasts with avocado on toast, eggs benedict and great freshly brewed coffee
and above all, folks who love the vibe.
And yes, many locals, with offices around
the old latin quarter are moving out, some with laptops to meet and work in
many of these places.
What’s lovely is that the charm of the old
has married with the chic of the new. That’s Panjim for you
It’s also the venue
of some of the country’s best festivals such as the Serendipity Arts Festival,
Monte Music Festival, Sur Jahan Festival and of course, the International Film
Festival of India, among many others as well as home to myriad restaurants,
pubs, art galleries, sites for heritage tours and much more. It’s enchanting to
see the older architecture and modern constructions, holding within each,
wonders of their own, stand tall and together, drawing in people of different
ages and preferences.
Café speaks to
a cross section of people, who share their thoughts on the eclectic vibe that
prevails over Panjim.
Panjim showcases a diversity of arts. The Serendipity Arts
Festival (SAF) truly celebrates rich artistic heritage in the city of Panjim
because of over 90 dynamic projects showcasing the visual, performing and
culinary arts, 10 venues across Panjim transformed Goa into a vibrant cultural
space with multiple exhibitions, performances and experiential arts experiences
involving over 1,300 artists. Panjim fosters cultural growth and energises
contemporary practise not just during the festival but at all times.
SMRITI RAJGARHIA Director, SAF
Panjim has a unique opportunity to become the national capital
for cultural activities. The cosmopolitan nature of the city along with the
various heritage areas and lovely riverside give it the feel of the best
cultural capitals in the world. We already have various events that are now
part of the calendar of art and cultural events. The art galleries like
Sunapranta, Fundação Oriente offer a rich insight into the Indian cultural
scene. Panjim is still a very authentic city, whether it’s the locals or
visitors ratio and this gives it its uniqueness; something that should be
protected and encouraged.
ATISH ANTÓNIO FERNANDES
Manages Joseph Bar and business
development for a Goa based (DMC)
Well, I strongly believe that Panjim as a city has always been
high on the element of enhancing the quality of life of its residents as well
as its visitors. Thanks to the urban designers, we have a city that was
designed with the desirable attributes to make it an interesting urban space.
Some of the best additions to this beautiful city are those that reflect the
spirit and the ethos of this city and I am sure these are the ‘chic’ spaces
that we are now referring to that hold the most charm for visitors! Prudent
development keeping in mind preservation of heritage and traditions is the only
way forward. Lopsided or insensitive development will destroy the delicate
balance of what’s left of a historically known beautiful city.
NILIMA KAMAT MENEZES
Administrator/Project Manager , Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the
Arts
Goa loves music and we had a vision for our store to be more
than just a shop. We wanted it to be a place that could tickle the musical
senses of anyone who walked in, and it is working. A lot of people (both
tourists and Goan residents) walk into our store and are just in awe of all the
instruments. People needed something like this in Panjim. The beautiful view of
the Mandovi River gives a perfect connection to our ambience inside the store
where we have the open mic nights. Anyone can come in our store pick up an
instrument and sing. We focus more on the activity than selling our
instruments; it is because of a heavenly area like Fontainhas in Panjim that
has brought the spirit alive in Kadence.
SHREYAS SANJAY KUMAR
Community Manager, Kadence Xperience
Panjim has attracted not only tourists but even filmmakers,
vendors, cultural activities, etc. Because of its beautiful lanes and
Portuguese houses all around the area, it makes it attractive enough to open
theme based restaurants and joints where people can relax, watch the scenery
and be a part of the aura. Simply put, food talks, be it any, and good food in
a happening place is the click. Earlier, the entire area was a dead lane with
less things happening around. But, with few cafés and restaurants coming up,
also ours, the place came alive with music and food.
PRITAM JADHAV
Operation Manager, Route 66 restaurant
Caravela had come around in the cute maze-like lanes of
Fontainhas four years ago, when the street looked like a horror story. It’s all
about the bread and breakfast, and fresh brewed coffee beans and cream. Ever since
food and entertainment joints started opening around this area, a lot of
tourists started flocking to these places. There are a lot of young tourists
these days, who prefer something new rather than the same style. Panjim has
become one hot spot for entertainment. Our coffee describes the essence of
Panjim. I mean, who wouldn’t want to stop by wandering these narrow streets and
colourful houses, where they get homely atmosphere and yummy snacks.
CARLOS NORONHA
Owner, Caravela Café and Home Stay
Panjim has emerged as a hub of culture and art related events,
with the likes of Serendipity Arts Festival and IFFI happening here. With Goa
being a tourist destination and Panjim being full of rich heritage, it’s no
surprise that it’s chosen as a venue for festivals such as these. It’s amazing,
especially the Serendipity Arts Festival, where almost the whole of Panjim has
something interesting happening in different places. Each place, such as the
Adil-Shah Palace, Children’s Park, etc, is well thought out.
JARRYD RODRIGUES Saxophonist
