TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: On the occasion of ‘World Heritage Day’, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Goa Heritage Festival’ at the Saligao Football Ground by pressing the button to light the ‘Deepastamb’, which is a replica of the famous light tower at Mangueshi temple complex
The festival, which concludes on April 21, is organized by the Department of Tourism along with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The event will showcase and promote Goa’s rich, unique heritage and tradition.
Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar said, “There is a need to conserve our heritage and protect and preserve the identity of Goa. Such festivals help promote our rich culture to the tourists and the public.”
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral, Adv Francis Braganza, Gurudas Shirodkar, Keshav Naik, Rajan Sawant and Saligao sarpanch Eknath Oraskar were also present.
Parulekar said that he was proud and happy to host the heritage festival in Saligao.
Cabral said, “This is the first of its kind festival we’ve organized. With the chief minister’s blessings, we will organize bigger and better festivals in future.”
Earlier, Parrikar pressed the button to play the giant-sized replica gramophone which played the most famous patriotic song ‘Goenche Majhe Goenkar’ penned by Manoharai Sardesai and sung by Ulhas Buyao.
The first day saw a Ranmale performance by Pundalik Sawant and Troupe of Kirti Kala Krida Kendra, Sarvan, Bicholim, and a Fugdi, Kannal Khel and Morailem performance by United Youth of Ambaulim, led by John Fernandes.
The highlight of the evening was a music recital by Dr Praveen Gaonkar, which received applause.
The festival open to the public from 6pm to 10pm.
