Issue No 14 by Goa Streets

Music Amid The Ruins

Goa Tourism

Panjim Polls

Belly Dancing

Spires In The Sky

Is business finally turning around?

The Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival

Don't expect a revolution. International fusion festival comes to Goa.

ALSO Inside:

• Shanti Morada - pg 8 • Sol de Goa - pg 11 • Ardee Annual Day - pg 11 • Ori at Vasco's HQ - pg 13 • Coconut Love - pg 15 • Sandra's Story - pg 19

Cover Photo: Jerry Sousa

Veteran Goan artist captures grandeur of churchscapes.

02 enquire

Goa Tourism’s Silver Lining

Why It’s Not Exactly True To Call This Season A Disaster By Vivian Maverick Martins

e all know the complaints – empty hotel rooms, restaurants forced to close, garbage lining the roads and keeping tourists away, highspending visitors replaced by mobs of men sleeping in vehicles and cooking in fields. But here’s a news flash: Unmistakable glimmers of hope are appearing on the Goa tourism horizon. For one, a new e-visa system has made it much easier for foreigners to visit the state; some 2 lakh of them have taken advantage of it this season. While the number of Russian tourists continues to decline because of that nation’s economic woes, we’re seeing upticks in arrivals from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia, stakeholders and officials say. Trouble in destinations such as Turkey and Egypt have diverted tourism toward Goa, and the state government has begun an earnest campaign to attract so-called high end tourists with such attractions as helicopter and hot air balloon rides. Most importantly, domestic arrivals continue to rise sharply and not, contrary to popular belief, just among low spending individuals. “Goa remains a popular destination among Indian tourists,” says Siddharth Savkur, General Manager of the Alila

Diwa Goa five-star resort in the south, adding that his occupancy this season has exceeded that of last year. To be sure, the silver lining in Goa tourism is not without its cloud. The garbage menace is still out of control, blighting the countryside and making many visitors wonder how such a gorgeous state could allow this to happen. Many locals complain about developers in cahoots with authorities carrying haphazard projects that are destroying Goa’s beauty and heritage. Much of the increase in tourist numbers in recent years is due to the presence of huge numbers of low-spending domestic tourists. Crime is still a big problem, as is lack of infrastructure. “There has been an increase in low end tourism from domestic markets that come by buses and cook their own food,” said Ralph De Souza, Spokesman for the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa, adding that the tourist season so far this year has been “below satisfactory.” And yet, when you drive around Goa, you can’t help but notice how the number of white faces has grown from just a year ago. And events and festivals are full. Official numbers on tourist arrivals this season are not yet available. But we do know that the number of tourists visiting Goa now exceeds 4 million people annually, a significant jump from the 2.5 million registered just three years

ago. Of the 4 million, about half a million are foreigners and the rest are Indian. It’s fair to say Goa’s tourism industry is still reeling from the sharp decline in Russian visitors and the sharp increase in low-end domestic visitors.A great many businesses, from shacks to restaurants to hotels to taxis, are feeling the sting. In the recently concluded legislative assembly session in Goa, the tourism minister was grilled for spending around Rs20 crores on foreign junkets. He was unable to say how many tourists from the countries visited by his officials came to Goa. The government’s decision to introduce sea planes, amphibious vehicles, hot air balloons and helicopter rides has had a rocky start, with lots of opposition from locals, and a number of these attractions have yet to be launched. “Goa government has failed miserably to get high end tourists. Tourists visit Goa today because of cheap booze and the sex trade, and with such tourists you get a change that is not favourable and it reflects poorly on Goan culture”, said Yellow Mehra, chef owner of the popular Baga restaurant Fiesta. Father Savio Fernandes from the Goa Archdiocesan Center for Social Justice and Peace feels that the government should focus on the basics before embarking on fancy projects like helicopter rides.

“The government is going overboard in promoting high-end tourism without fixing basic issues like cleanliness and garbage problems”, said Fr. Fernandes. Yatish Naik, a spokesman for the Congress Party, alleged that the BJP government is working only for itself and big business. “Goa needs tourist development that emphasizes local culture and heritage, nature tourism and eco-tourism, not projects that are against the will of the people,” said Naik. Michael Lobo, BJP legislator from Calangute, insisted that tourism should not benefit outsiders at the cost of locals. He said that with offerings like sea planes and hot air balloons, “water sports and other activities run by the locals take a big blow’'. Still, the introduction of the e-visa system has significantly increased the inflow of foreign tourists to Goa. According to statistics from Goa Tourism, there were 49,645 e-visa tourist arrivals in the state month of December alone, and a full 2 lakh for the whole season. “Every tourist who comes to Goa is important to us but our focus is to get the high-end tourists to Goa who will spend more money. For that we need to improve the infrastructure and give them high-class services,” Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told Streets. True, but it’d be nice if the view from the helicopter did not include litter. 

Publisher Marisha Dutt • Chief Mentor Steven Gutkin • Contributing Editor José Lourenço Photographer Brendon Sapeco • Marketing Co-ordinator Radhika Naik • Marketing Executive Alvira Rodrigues • Graphic Designer Amol Kamat • Circulation & Accounts Co-ordinator Nilesh Shetgaonkar • Circulation Vijay Gadekar & Valentino D'Cruz • Correspondents/Writers: Ethel Da Costa,

Sheela Jaywant, Charlane Pereira e Rebello, Bina Datwani, Karan Bhagat, Perin Ilavia, Dielle D’Souza, Anzil Fernandes, Crespo D’Souza, Sanket Sharma, Richa Narvekar, Vivian Maverick Martins, Claron Mazarello, Aliya Abreu, Kanchi Mehta, Sapna Shahani, Vaishnavi Pilankar

politics

Panjim Elections: Is There Anyone Out There Who Might Actually Change Things? Please, Dear Reader, Don’t Hold Your Breath

By Goa Streets

ere’s the thing about the Panjim municipal election scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 6. It’s shaping up to be a monumental fight among the ruling BJP, Congress and a group of independents led by local strongman Atanasio Monserrate. But since none of the current crop of candidates are even remotely visionary in their thinking – and because the one party that could effect substantial change, Aam Aadmi, has chosen not to field any candidates – it’s safe to say we’re not headed toward any kind of revolution in the Goan capital. True, this has been the story of Panjim’s, and Goa’s, electoral history for as long as anyone can remember. But it’s also true that we’re living in an era of rapid change – technological, cultural, economic and social. And with that comes rising popular expectations. Because Panjim did not make it into the first tier of Indian cities to immediately become “smart cities” with a healthy infusion of national funds, the next mayor is likely to find himself striving to meet those expectations more or less on his own. And it’s not as though these elections are insignificant. They’re a likely harbinger of what we can expect during the state assembly elections to be held within the next year. And new leadership will surely have an impact on Panjim’s most pressing problems, from inefficient public transport to lack of parking to questions over whether the government should be spending Rs70 crore on a concrete road over a bitumen one rather than using the money to clean up a sewage-ravaged Santa Inez Creek. Ahead of the elections to the Corporation of the City of Panjim, leaders have fanned out across the city’s 30 wards knocking on doors and asking for people’s votes. Most expected the AAP to field candidates, and its decision to stay away raises legitimate questions about its ability – and willingness – to make a mark in Goa.

Instead it was the Congress which sprung a surprise and, against expectations, fielded candidates of its own. The people of Panjim will choose 30 council representatives, who will then choose a mayor among themselves. The current mayor, Shubham Chodankar, has been in office for about a year (the BJP has controlled the council for 4 years but has gone through several mayors) and has failed to make lasting impressions. The most important personalities in the election are Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncalienkar of the BJP, Pandurang Madkaikar of Congress, and Monserrate of the Panjim Development Front. None are candidates themselves, though each is leading a list of candidates. Of the three, only Monserrate enjoys a reputation of getting things done, even if his persona is far from squeaky clean. The council handles local issues like house and local taxes, traffic management, garbage collection, streets cleaning, pavements and other civic amenities. While the powers of

the city council may be limited, it is often a matter of honour for the state government to also rule the city council and hence battles are hotly contested. A victory in the Panjim polls can also be a morale booster for the party ahead of the State Assembly elections. Who will emerge triumphant? Monserrate, who was the first to announce his candidates, appears the most confident. He has covered the biggest area of the city, going door to door. He talks to residents about their concerns, asks children how well they expect to do in their exams and inquires about the health of the elderly. Kuncalienkar is also up and about but hasn’t covered as much area as Monserrate. The BJP’s campaign is two steps behind Monserrate’s, right from announcing candidates to countering a fast moving rumour that the BJP’s Panjim unit is a house at war. It hasn’t helped that the BJP took what seemed like an eternity to finalise its candidate list.

For its part, the Congress was late to the party and lacks a clear plan. After first announcing that it would not openly field candidates and later changing its mind and saying it would field candidates for all 30 seats, the party now has only 19 candidates in its kitty. “When I had suggested that we have to field a Congress panel, no one was willing to come forward. Now after certain sitting councillors found that they will not be accepted by either Monserrate or the BJP, they approached the party to form its panel. It is without doubt a recipe for failure,” former mayor Surendra Furtado said. “It is an indication that the faith of the people in those leaders is low,” he added. None of the candidates have specified what precisely they plan to do for the city, though both the BJP and Monserrate have said they’ll outline a plan before the vote. For Panjim resident Fato Gaonkar, it’s a moot point anyway. “The councillors have very little power and the elections are more of academic interest than anything else,” he said. The BJP promises that having a council of the same party as the state government will help move things along. If that were the case, however, what happened during the past four years?

Friday, February 26, 2016

Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival Hallowed Rhythms Echo Through The Ruins of Old Goa

Goa Streets Was Proud Digital Partner For Spectacular Feast of Live Music By Rahul Chandawarkar

he recently concluded first Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival held in Old Goa was a brilliant amalgamation of Western and Eastern music. It brought together western symphony orchestras, Indian classical musicians and European soloists all on one stage. Besides the concerts inside the Santa Monica Church and the magnificent St Augustine Ruins, the festival hosted symposiums and master classes which had the audience asking for more. The first part of the festival took place on 12th to 14th February, a spectacular Valentine’s Day gift for the music loving people of Goa. It opened with the Spanish ensemble Capella Della Luce performing at the Santa Monica Church. An amazing Saturday evening followed, at the ruins of St Augustine’s Tower, which is actually the remnant of the Our Lady of Grace Church, attached to the St Augustine Convent, now all in ruins. The Goa University Choir and an ensemble of Spanish master musicians enacted an

The Goa University and Seville University choirs perform at St Augustine ruins

Italian musician Paolo Pacciolla and Italian dancer Luisa Spagna

oratorio on the life of Queen Ketevan, the queen herself being played by Joanna de Souza. The oratorio covered the martyred queen’s saga from Georgia to Iran and finally to Old Goa. The second concert of that evening saw Sephardic and Jewish Music performed by soprano Rocio de Frutos and a group of Mediterranean

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artists – Daniel Parejo, David Ruiz, Ignacio Monteverde and Pablo Trave. This was followed by a concert by Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya on his slide guitar. At one of the many symposiums, Fr Peter Cardoso, director of the music academy at Pilar Seminary said that Indian Classical Music and Gregorian music had many similarities, as they were both based on religious texts. He demonstrated this with several recitals in both Indian Classical and Gregorian music. He sang Indian raagas like Raag Yaman Kalyan, Darbari Kanada and the Bhairavi immediately followed by the equivalent Gregorian chants much to the delight of the audience. Italian musician-scholar, Paolo Pacciolla shared his research on the mridanga, an ancient Indian percussion instrument which is believed to have originated in the year 2 BC and is a forerunner of the modern-day pakhawaj. Citing from his interviews with pakhawaj masters like Swami Ram Kishor Das and Dalchand Sharma, Pacciolla explained how the training on the pakhawaj strictly followed the tradition of the 'Guru-Shishya parampara', where the master imparted training to his disciple on his own terms. He also showed images of Hindu deities like Vishnu, Ganesh, Hanuman and Shiva playing the pakhawaj. Spanish musician-academic Daniel Martinez, who plays the oud (an Arabic instrument), spoke on Jewish music and played several Jewish compositions from across the world. Pacciolla was all praise for the festival, saying, "The Ketevan music festival is unique because it has brought the best of eastern and western music under one roof." Dancer Luisa Spagna, who is an Odissi exponent said," Both Paolo and I have been coming to India continuously for over 20 years and absolutely love the country, its traditions and its people. It is a very special country." At an earlier press meet, popular Indian flautist Rakesh Chaurasia said that musicians should consider themselves fortunate and blessed as they could team up with fellow musicians from across the world and make music without understanding each other's language or customs. "The Ketevan Music festival is unique, as the organisers have managed to bring together musicians from such diverse backgrounds,” said Chaurasia. “I have seldom come across music festivals which are so diverse and yet similar in nature." February 19-21 was the concluding weekend of the Ketevan Music Festival. The weekend began with performances by Pacciolla and Spagna, followed by a solo performance by Vienna based pianist, Marialena Fernandes inside the St Monica Church. Saturday evening witnessed the Ketevan vocal ensemble and the Seville chamber choir of Spain display their skills under the stewardship of music conductor Santiago Lusardi inside the St Anthony’s Chapel, opposite the St Augustine’s Ruins. The action then shifted to the Ruins, with an East-West fusion performance by sitar maestro Ustad Chote Rahimat Khan and guitarist Ignacio Monteverde, followed by flautist Rakesh Chaurasia.

The last evening opened with the Goa University choir and the Bombay Symphony orchestra performing under Santiago Lusardi’s baton, inside the Santa Monica Church. The young and talented Mumbai based pianist Utsav Lal presented Indian ragas on the piano in the last session of this lovely festival at the St Augustine Ruins. The musicians also exhibited their humaneness by performing for destitute women and school children by visiting their premises. International and Indian musicians taking part in the Festival stepped into schools and destitute homes across Goa to share the joys of music with little school children and destitute women. While a group of musicians went to the Lourdes Convent and St Xavier's Vidyalaya in Saligao and Korgao respectively, another set of musicians visited the ASHA Mahal destitute home in Taleigao, and the Santa Cruz school in Santa Cruz. Acclaimed Spanish violinist Leo Rossi along with viola player Pablo Trave, violin cello player Jose Luis Tarin and Mumbai based violinist Dielle Braganza regaled the inmates of the ASHA Mahal and later had the children of the Santa Cruz school in the thrall of their music. Rossi and his colleagues played Mozart's 'Divertimento in D' at ASHA Mahal. The four pieces performed by the musicians so captured the imagination of the women there that they were moved to tears. Michelle, one of the inmates, said in a choked voice, "I have never heard such heavenly music before. God bless these lovely people for coming to our home today." Soccorinha Fernandes, the manager at ASHA Mahal, said, "These musicians play at international concerts. That they came to our destitute home to share their joy exhibits their humaneness." At the Santa Cruz school, the musicians were greeted by a church full of 200 children ranging from Class One to Ten. The musicians played Mozart once again to thunderous applause. School teacher Bernadette Diniz was clearly overwhelmed by the performances. She said, "We are indeed lucky to have these accomplished musicians visiting us to perform here. This is such a big inspiration for our little children." Visiting American choir teacher Nicky Manlove, who teaches the school children picked out Leo Rossi's Bach solo as his personal favourite. "Rossi is indeed a fantastic musician," Nicky said. From the spiritual emotion of a martyred queen to the meeting of eastern and western music to the affectionate performances for Goan school children and underprivileged women, these world class musicians showed the world once again that music is truly a compassionate and powerful unifying force on this planet. Here’s wishing the Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival many more spectacular encores in Goa in the years to come!

Friday, February 26, 2016

21 music & nightlife 07

Bwitchs International Bellydance Festival DAZZLING, GLAMOROUS BELLYDANCING SHOW

(Goa Streets Is Proud Media Partner For The Extraordinary Event!)

oming to India for the first time, is a Belly dance Extravanganza evening with scintillating, glamorous, spectacular neverseen-before performances by leading, celebrity belly dancers flown in from around the world and India. This is a part of a 4-day festival BWITCHS – India’s Largest Belly dance Festival rooted in Women’s Empowerment organized by Leena Viie and hosted at TITO’S COURTYARD. Come prepared to be enchanted by the novel, exotic, award-winning performances showcasing the best of traditional belly dance and unique fusions. You will be mesmerized and whisked away into the ancient lands of pharaohs and queens and sometimes tossed over to the fantasy world of vampires and witches and be brought to the safety of the classic and traditional. The amazing line-up includes Classical Egyptian, Fantasy Fusion, Dramatic Oriental, American Cabaret, Indian Belly dance Fusion, Veil belly dance, Folkloric belly dance, Burlesque belly dance, among many others. Support this movement of Women Empowerment through dance. Be prepared to be bewitched! The celebrity dancers include: Nadia Nikishenko (Russia), Colleena Shakti (USA), Nika Mlakar (Slovenia), Natalie Nazario (Puerto Rico), Sedona Soulfire (USA), Meher Malik (India), Leena Viie (Bombay), Payal Gupta (Bangalore), Bindu Bolar (Bangalore), Deepthi Shetty (Bangalore), Essa Duhaime (Puna), Sana Pindare (Bombay), Pia Bhurke (Bombay) ….. among many others Tickets Rs. 1500 including buffet

MARCH 13TH Belly dance Party Night This is a Belly dance performance and party evening which will also showcase spectacular performances by International and Indian belly dancers and varied styles of belly dance from traditional Middle Eastern to New Age and Edgy! The audience is welcome to join in at the very end, move their hips, dance and feel the joy this dance form brings! Tickets Rs. 1000

The Goa event is the festival’s second edition. The first edition took place in Mumbai last year. Presented by acclaimed belly dancer and women’s rights activist Leena Viie, the March 2015 Festival in Mumbai was a smashing success. Bwitchs 2015 also saw the World’s First Belly Dance Flash Mob held under the One Billion Rising Movement, which was held on Women’s Day (March 8th). BWITCHS MARCH 2016 This year the Festival is even more ambitious! On board are the Masters of belly dance and Fusion Belly Dance from around the globe. Add to that new themes and concepts aimed at uniting the community and taking ourselves and our dance to a whole new level. In store is another Flash Mob, but this time it will include women whose life circumstances prevented them pursuing their dreams - acid attack victims, street children, HIV patients. There will also be panel discussions with our Guest Teachers touching upon the festival theme of Women Empowerment. Of course, no festival is complete without LOADS OF FUN! That’s why BWITCHS is GOING TO GOA! By the beach, with beautiful sunsets and sunrises, we shall all get together to make yet another edition of Bwitchs TRULY MEMORABLE!

fter the Nirbaya rape case in 2012, festival curator Leena Viie found herself in the middle of turbulent protests in New Delhi, on the receiving end of tear gas, lathis and cold water. Scared, shivering and drenched, she understood that her only choice was to carry forth with a strong statement about women’s empowerment. All women, she says, must be able to walk freely, “unintimidated, unharrased, unafraid. This is the world we women deserve.” “Hence the name Bwitchs,” Leena continues.“Bewitch means to enchant, which all we belly dancers naturally do. We cast a spell on anyone who watches, since this indeed is a powerful feminine dance form.” “Bwitchis also rooted in the word ‘witch’,which is highly misunderstood. It means WISE woman. Our gut, our womb, our belly is a powerful seat from which arises this natural wisdom, perception, intuition. Women gifted with it were shunned, since it made them more powerful.” This is enchanting stuff, people. Don’t miss the show!

February 18th was a very special day at the beautiful Shanti Morada Hotel in Saligao, Goa. At this gorgeous boutique property owned by hoteliers Sanjana and Rajat Verma from New Delhi, Ex-British Superstock Biking Champion Bob Collins and his fiancĂŠ Liz Bird exchanged wows. A year back, Bob and Liz celebrated their formal engagement at the very same spot in north Goa. The reason: the couple

recognise a romantic venue when they see one! Love was celebrated in a place created through the love of Sanjana and Rajat here in beautiful Goa. Both Liz and Bob are speed bikers and were in Goa last week for The International Bike Week, which took place in Arpora. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to Liz and Bob, wishing you both a life of love, adventure, happiness and freedom on the road!

Friday, February 26, 2016

Feb 27 Learning the healing technique of Reiki Reiki is a simple yet powerful technique whereby the practitioner channels energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional wellbeing. At Saraya Eco Stay, Sangolda 10 am to 4 pm + 91 8888 92 6811 Bharatanatyam Dance Recital The Indian Council for cultural relations (ICCR) in association with ‘Srutilaya’ the classical music and dance group of BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa campus is presenting classical dance recitals, namely Bharatanatyam Dance Recital by Anand Satheendran.

At Main Auditorium, BITS Pilani Goa Campus, Zuarinagar 5:30 pm Onwards + 91 832 2580101

Night sky photography workshop A workshop will be conducted by Rakesh Rao. The workshop will consist of understanding the basic requirement to do landscape astrophotography and light painting techniques. At Goa Science Centre, Miramar 6 pm to 7 pm + 91 832 2463426

Feb 28 Chintamanis Bangle Festival 100% off on making charges of all diamond jewellery. Flat Rs. 150 per gram making charges on Maharashtrian Patli Bangles only Rs 250 per gram making charges on all types of Bangles. At Chintamanis, 18 June road, Panjim + 91 832 2423143/ 41

Feb 26 to May 3 Screening and Interaction with film maker Film Maker Spandan Banerjee will be present to interact with the audience. He is a National Award winning independent filmmaker. This English India premiered at Hot Docs Toronto at the 2015th edition showcasing the best of Indian documentaries. It was also shortlisted for the Best Feature Documentary, Asia Pacific Screen Awards. At 6 Assagao, Assagao 7 pm Onwards + 91 832 2268228/ + 91 832 2268091 / + 91 832 2268083

Feb 26 to Feb 28 International Dance, movement & healing Festival Authentic dance movement & healing (DMH) sessions plus integrated sessions in dance/movement therapy. Biodanza, meditation, energy healing, live music, bodywork, partner yoga & reiki. At Love Temple, Arambol + 91 9820 63 3374

March 19 to March 20 Cantaram Competition Kala Academy Goa will be organizing the 14th Cantaram competition. There shall be three prizes in each sub category i.e. solo male and sols female, duet, due, trio, quartet (group) and choral cantar singing. The competition is open to all Goan artistes. The rehearsal of the artistes with band music will take place on March 17 from 9:30 am to 5 pm at the black box. The last date for receipt of duly filled in prescribed entry forms for participation in the 14th Cantaram competition of kala is March 10, 2016. At Kala Academy, Panjim + 91 832 2420450

Feb 26 to April 30 Vagator Night Bazaar Every Friday Retail, Food, live music, shows, games At Vagator Hill near thalassa, Ozran, Vagator 6 pm to 12 am +91 9172479697/ +91 7875233985

Every Tuesday Rejuvenate & Detox At Shamana Spa Designed to restore balance to your body system, cleanse it of toxins, and rejuvenate the mind. The program at Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt Goa will include a combination of yoga, aqua exercise, lymphatic drainage treatment and royal wellness bath along with healthy drinks and herbal teas. Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 8:00AM – 1:00PM +91 832 3011510

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Salsa Workshop A Series of Salsa Classes will be conducted. At Carpe Diem, Majorda 6 pm to 7 pm +91 88888 62462

DANCE CLASSES David Furtado Dance Classes Salsa & Waltz for beginners At Casino Motel, Porvorim 6.40 to 7.40 +91 9975914195 Jason & Sylvia Dance Academy At Las Viegas Dance Studio, Taleigao +91 9822161652/ +91 9822151614 Snaden Shawn Dance Academy Dance Style: Hip hop, Bollyfunk, jazz, contemporary At All Over Goa +91 7798609859/ +91 9890163433

Great Goan Experience Tiger Balloon Safaris Explore Goa-Get carried away on our hot air balloon rides an unforgettable sky high experience. At Chandor, South Goa +91 9999 74 2000 Website: hotairballooningingoa.com Froggy Land Froggyland is a venue for all the water lovers. Some of our activities would include the wave pool, lazy river, slides, rain dance, children’s pool etc. At Pateipur, Nuvem +91 9823480057 Fit 4 Life Goa introduces personalized group fitness training session with certified trainers. Includes: Cardiovascular, speed, agility and strength training. Contact for free trial. At Porvorim + 91 9767 64 7764/ + 91 9890 12 3100 Splashdown Water Park Splashdown Water Park is the perfect place to get your thrills, with plenty of steep, twisting slides and adrenalinepumping attractions. Splashdown is not just a Water park, but an exhilarating experience which will make you want to come back for more! At Splashdown Water Park 10:30 to 6:00 pm + 91 832 2273008/ + 91 9637 42 4024 www.splashdowngoa.com Birds & Breakfast Have your morning breakfast watching birds The Best time of bird watching is October to Mid April. At Gauro Waddo, Calangute +91 832 2276711/ +91 9822149002 Off the Grid Offers a unique home stay experience in a secluded village in the Western Ghats At Western Ghats John +91 9623451758 Sylvia +91 9049081097 Wildernest Crocodile Safaris Offers boat safaris starting from Britona Jetty (Near Panjim) through the backwaters and mangrove-lined canals, which are home to fresh water crocodile locally called ‘Muggers’. At Kamat Centre, D.B Marg, Panjim +91 9595553799/ +91 9341112721 Seaeaglecruises.com Canopy Eco – Tours Offers a wide variety of experiences including nature-treks, butterfly tours, dragonfly & damselfly tours, and boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original bird watching tour. At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225 Canopygoa.com

Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that’s a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies. Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474 Bcogoa.org

Broadway Book Centre Broadway Book Store offers great books at amazing prizes to passionate readers of all ages At Aguada Fort Road, Candolim 10 am to 9 pm +91 9860030339

The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programmes costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast. At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071 Rahulalvares.com

NOTABLE FORTS

Horse Riding Majorda Beach Horse Riding It offers riding on Goa’s longest beach At Majorda 5 pm to 7 pm +91 9822586502

OUTDOORS Tropical Spice Plantation The Tropical Spice Plantation guided tour is certain to refresh your senses and make you feel at one with Mother Nature. At Arle Bazar Keri, Ponda +91 832 2340329 Abyss Spice Farm Located on high hills amidst stunning surroundings near Ponda. Many tourists visit it for the medicinal herbs grown here on a large scale. The Plantation also offers ayurvedic massage. At Sai Farm, Savoi Verem, Ponda Pascoal Spice Village A wide variety of spice plants and cash crops is grown here. For visitors there is a restaurant with an open-air party facility along with boating At Khandepar, Ponda +91 832 2344268/ +91 832 2344536 -39 Atreya Vedic Farms Set amidst nature’s abundance at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Molem is Atreya Vedic Farm, a unique ecotourism venture. At Bondu Mol, Mollem 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Sahakari Spice Farm Relax under a dense forest cover and take in the aroma of a variety of spices grown in the farm. Also, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch served in earthen pots & banana leaves. At PondaBelgaum Highway, Curti, Ponda +91 832 2312394 Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

BOOK CENTRES Literati It’s a Bookshop and Café At Gauro Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 6.30 pm +91 832 2277740

Aguada Fort Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm At Candolim Reis Magos Fort This Fort, surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. The fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi River at Reis Magos, and is visible from the Panjim side of the Mandovi River. At Verem 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711/ +91 832 2410715 Tiracol Fort The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. Now, in a state of ruins, Fort Tiracol has been converted into a luxury hotel, the Fort Tiracol Heritage. At Tiracol, Keri Cabo de Rama Fort Interesting fort named after Lord Rama. Inside the fort, check out the church of Santo Antonio, still used by devotees. At Cola Beach Chapora Fort One of the most loved forts of Goa; it was built in place of an older fort on the same location after the MarathaPortuguese war. At Vagator Chapora Fort One of the most loved forts of Goa; it was built in place of an older fort on the same location after the MarathaPortuguese war. At Vagator

MUSEUMS Museum of Goa Art Museum At Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne 10 am to 6 pm +91 7722089666 Goa Chitra With a collection of over 4,000 artefacts, Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum that focuses on Goa’s traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology. At Mondo Waddo, Benaulim 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Email: goachitra@gmail.com

the corner HAVE A RECREATIONAL RENDEZVOUS AT GRAND HYATT GOA!

ook with Grand Hyatt Goa chefs, learn to make Indian-inspired cocktails, rejuvenate at Shamana Spa, savour Modern Australian cuisine at Verandah, indulge in fondue at Capiz Bar or simply hit the adventure zone for an adrenaline rush.With a selection of seven restaurants and bars, an extensive spa, a versatile recreational menu and a sailing centre, Grand Hyatt Goa has something for everyone. Set on the calm waters of Bambolim Bay, the resort offers a wide range of things to do forboth you and your family. Its recreation team has an array of adventuresome and exciting to choose from, including wall-climbing, aqua-zorbing, zoccer, archery, zipline, flying fox, wild-web rope course, cycling, functional training and boot camp. These are only some of the many activitiesthat take place on the expansive lawns. Walk into the Capiz Bar on Mondays to experience new beer and food pairings. Rejuvenate at the Shamana Spa on Tuesdays with a detox program that includes a combination of yoga, aqua exercise, lymphatic drainage, and a royal wellness bath along with healthy drinks and herbal teas. Come Wednesday and indulge in the seafood night market in the gardens serving a large variety of fresh seafood and

Massive Vibe Live!:Powerful concert for peace and unity performs in Arambol live music and entertainment. Gather around the fireplace at the Capiz Bar on Thursdays for an evening of cocktails and music. Enjoy al fresco evenings on Friday at the Pool Bar and Grill with DJ Thelma. Conclude the week every Saturday on a Spanish note on the palace lawns with an evening of entertainment and food inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean coast of Spain. And, of course, Sundays will beguile you with the ever-popular Champagne Brunch at The Dining Room. Kids can have their own little holiday at Camp Hyatt - a recreation centre designed to provide the perfect amount of fun and games for children below 12 years of age. Grand Hyatt Goa makes sure you have all the boxes ticked for a truly unforgettable memorable.Culture, cuisine, festivity and a collection of unique experiences; there is something for everyone.

“Massive Vibe Live! is a performance that speaks to the heart of all people, it speaks to the power we have to be of benefit to all, that needs to be recognised.” —Queen Be! Lyricist and Producer of Massive Vibe Live! Massive Vibe Live!, a ground-breaking worldwide concert series using new music, lyrics, visuals and dance to bring about an empowered and peaceful world for all to perform in Arambol at Oshoanic Beach bar on Wednesday 24 February at 7pm. The international production performs again in Goa one year after their unforgettable 400-person sell-out show at Ash in Arambol in February 2015. India is the first stop on their Electric & Alive India Tour which has seen 16 concerts to over 10,000 people in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, including headlining for Bollywood’s Shaan and opening the Bandra Festival in Mumbai. The producer Queen Be! composes all the lyrics, and the show is directed by Katharina Raysz. Queen Be! gathered this team of musicians, artists and professionals with experience in music, film production and the arts from over 8 different countries— all dedicated to bringing about beneficial change in the world. “Queen Be! has created a very special show with very simple but powerful message: “you are perfect as you are, you be you, you are the shining light of benefit bright!” The music, lyrics, visuals and performance make obvious what is most empowered and peaceful about all people. We are excited to perform in Goa again.” says Katharina Raysz, Director. The tour continues after Bangalore until April 2016 visiting Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kolkata.

Valentine’s Bubbly Brunch @ The Park, Calangute

Sol De Goa’s Anniversary Celebration Top Hospitality And Nightlife Venue Marks Its (Sort of) 1st Birthday With A Delightful Musical Bash

Rohin Puri

t’s fair to say it all started long before last year, when the stunning boutique hotel Sol de Goa became the first venue in the state to embrace what has since becomeGoan fundamental: that partying can take place all year round, not just during the High Season. The hotel’s Thursday jazz nights during the monsoons became a sensation several years back, catapulting the Nerul-based establishment to the top of Goa’s nightlife scene. The large and joyous monsoon crowds were easily matched by the folks – both from Goa and beyond – who showed up at Sol de Goa during the cool and dry months. And the venue quickly established itself as a Goan phenomenon an innovative, well-attended, creative and entertaining destination that happening all year round. The Sol, as it’s popularly called, has hosted a great many highbrow events, including a Victorian-era themed party, movie title launches and shows by star performers from India, Europe, South America and beyond. It’s often the venue of choice for launch parties and fashion shows by the likes of designers MaliniRamani, Ritu Berry and Wendell Rodricks. Sol de Goa was recently awarded the “Best Nightlife Award in the City for 2015” by the Times Awards for Thursdays Night Live, a longtime Goanfavouriteat the hotel’s poolside bistro featuring a

different live band jamming every week, with headlining acts such as Dana Gillespie and Gary Lawyer. Sol de Goa was known as the Sofala for a period, but Feb. 18 marked the first anniversary of the hotel reclaiming its original, well-loved brand. To mark the occasion, Sol de Goa presenteda delightful, crowd-stirring performance by the artist Rohin Puri. With 200+ hit shows to his credit in just the past two years, Rohin is one of the most sought after artists in India. His trademark is his wizardry with musical instruments,including the flute, harmonica, Australian didgeridoo, Afro-tribal-drums, Spanish Cajon, pots & Pans, other utensils

and any other conceivable object that produces sound. His artistry was truly a sight to behold. Previously, Puri had was ‘Lead Performer’ & ‘Entertainer’ at the Magic Bus Benefit Event, held at the Capella Ballroom - Sentosa Island, Singapore, and many other high profile events across India and abroad. Sol de Goa, owned by Sun Leisure (India) Pvt. Ltd. Hotels, was designed by the renowned fashion designer TarunTahiliani. Combining Indo-Portuguese elements with a modern sensibility, the venue has established itself as one of the premier hospitality and nightlife destinations in this part of the world. Happy Birthday!

The Ardee World School Goa celebrated it's 6th Annual Day celebration with much excitement on February 13th, 2016. Students of all grades got together and put up a very special show for the Ardee families. The delightful show took you to various lands across our globe, brought to life through Shakespearean drama, the food of Japan, the culture of Ancient Greece, dance and much more. Truly the children did a fabulous job! Kudos to the students and faculty! And here's to the next one...

13 Friday, February 26, 2016

Ori Pan Asian Cuisine at The HQ

By Radhika Naik

his may come as a surprise, as the port city of Vasco is not exactly famous for its restaurant scene. But nestled in the heart of the city at the fabulous The HQ Hotel in Vasco is Ori, offering up some of best Pan Asian dining in the state. Aside from the delicious Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malay and Indonesian dishes, here you will be greeted by a serene and warm décor wholly reminiscent of the Far East. A great wine selection, friendly service and innovative offerings – such as this month’s special Chinese New Year menu – make Ori a great choice for a culinary night out in Goa. If you live in Vasco, you’re especially in luck, of course. But if you live anywhere else in Goa – North, South or in between – it’s really worth making the trip to check this place out. On a recent evening, Goa Streets photographer Brendon Sapeco and I started out by sampling the Pineapple Chilli, fine cubes of pineapple garnished with red chilli. I just loved the combination of tangy and spicy on my tongue! Then Chef Raj offered us a choice of 3 varieties of soup, namely, Veg Wonton, Chicken Talumein and Asparagus and Crab Meat. My pick was the Veg Wonton, which I enjoyed immensely, with those vegetable dumplings floating elegantly in the subtle Chinese broth.

If You Can’t Make It To China For Chinese New Year, Here’s The Next Best Thing

With so much food already under our belt, so to speak, it seemed funny that we, in fact, had technically not yet “started” our meal. So when it did come time for the starters, we had the Fish with Crackers and the Sesame Pango Prawn. Both were crispy. Both were yummy. For the main course, Chef Raj brought out some Pineapple Fried Rice, Clay Pot Chicken, Eight Treasure Vegetables with Tofu, Broccoli, Cabbage, BokChoy, Shitake, Spinach and Zucchini Stir Fried in Light Soy Sauce, and Shandong Noodles with Vegetables. Most of these dishes are part of this month’s Chinese New Year menu, and all are lovely in their own way. It’s clear that a lot of love and care went into the preparation of each delicacy, and the experience was indeed memorable. Sweet plates flowed onto our table next,

including Chocolate Lava With Litchi & Ice Cream, Banana Pan Rolls With Caramel & Ice Cream, and Coconut Honey Dumplings. I am a person with a sweet tooth, to be sure. But I can honestly claim that even if I were not, these desserts would still have put me in Seventh Asian Heaven, which is where I found myself while devouring them. If I were a judge on the TV show Chopped, I would give Ori high marks on all counts – taste, presentation and creativity. If you add to this the wholly reasonable prices and the lovely Vasco location right in between North and South Goa, I’d say this is a must-visit restaurant. Kudos Ori! You done good. • Food: Pan Asian, totally yummy • Atmosphere: Elegant, Far Eastern • Service: Attentive • Something Special: This month’s Chinese New Year Menu • For Reservation: +91 7709003237

About Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important Chinese holidays, celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. This year the Chinese New Year began with the new moon on Monday, Feb. 8. Traditions include giving money in red paper envelopes, decorating homes with red colour paper-cuts and wishing others good fortune and long life. Ori is a great place in Goa to bring the Chinese New Year to life.

14 food & drink Feb 8 onwards Chinese New Year The Best Chinese menu all month Long. At Hotel HQ, Vasco +91 7709003237

Every Monday Hops & Nibbles Walk into the Capiz Bar to experience new flavours in beer and food pairing. Try something new every Monday as the pairing changes every week; Tapas, Yakitori and more to enjoy At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa 4:00PM – 00:00 midnight INR 990 + taxes For reservations call +91 832 3011510

Every Wednesday Pizza Night @ Ciao Bella Dive into a selection of authentic Italian wood fired pizzas At CIAO BELLA, Assagao 7 pm onwards +91 97675 57673 Seafood Night Market A weekly seafood night market with a wide selection of seafood delicacies. If you can’t seem to get enough of seafood through the week, walk over to The Dining Room and enjoy an amazing selection of your seafood favourites and live entertainment. Every Wednesday INR 2500 per person At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Every Thursday Pasta Thursdays Treat yourself to a selection of pastas At Bar Code Lounge & Grill, Porvorim +91 832 241 0027

EVERY Saturday Spanish Nights Head over to the Grand Hyatt Goa Palace Lawns; where they give you an evening of live entertainment and food inspired from the Mediterranean coast of Spain. 7:00PM – 11:30PM INR 2200 + taxes At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Brunches Every Sunday Sunday Brunch Happy Hours Buy one Get one free Lunch Buffet Starting 899/Pool Usage At Bay 15, Dona Paula 12 noon onwards +91 7350146000 Sunday-Champagne Brunch Relish a sumptuous meal over five interactive food counters along with free flowing cocktails, champagne and live music by Thelma. Every Sunday, the Dining Room, Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim 1:00PM – 4:00PM INR 2500 + taxes +91 832 3011510

Sunday Barbeque Brunch Poolside Sunday grills with live music 12 pm to 5 pm At Banana Republic Bar - Cavala, Baga +91 832 227 7587 Sunday Brunch at Barrels & Bones 12 noon onwards At BARRELS & BONES, Fontainhas +91 77740 78276 Super Brunch The Super Brunch at Vivanta Panaji is a decadent affair with an astonishingly wide selection of Live grills. Serving up the finest cuisine from around the world. At Vivanta by Taj, Panaji, Off D B Bandodkar road, Panaji +91 832 6633636 Brunch at Cantina Bodega This is one of the more interesting spots in town to have a meal. Under the supervision of Vandana Naik, a former top chef in New York City and easily one of Goa’s most notable culinary experts, there’s a wide variety of delights on offer, including pizzas, soups, salads, hummus and meat balls, plus an eclectic mix of Indian, Mediterranean and other world cuisines. That’s not to mention the desserts, another top draw here. Noon to 4 pm At Cantina Bodega, Sunaparanta, Panjim. +91 832 2421315 info@sgcfa.org www.sgcfa.org Sunday Family Brunch Live Music by The Actacy At Gawin's Restaurant, Verna 12 pm to 3 pm +91 9822177179 Bikini Brunch Sunday BBQ Brunch @ Rs. 950 ++ with unlimited drinks Enjoy Live Karaoke with Emmanuel At The Park, Calangute 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. +91 8805028194/ +91 832 2267600 resv.goa@theparkhotels.com www.theparkhotels.com Sunday Brunch Highlights: Free Use of Swimming Pool, Rain Dance with DJ, Lavish Buffet with live counters, unlimited house brands alcohol & cocktails & games & Activities Cost: Rs. 1500/- inclusive of all Taxes (with alcohol); Rs. 1100/- inclusive of all Taxes (without alcohol) At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora 12 noon to 3 pm +91 8322267300 / +91 8322267302

South Goa Restaurant Palms Restaurant The Beachside Restaurant Palms with the Peruvian delicacy for the first time in Goa. Enjoy Ceviche delicacies and Peruvian drinks all night long! At Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Cavelossim +91 832 2721235

Southi Restaurant Indian/Pakistani, Soul Food and Vegetarian Pan South Indian restaurant and bar, serving veg and non veg food At Zense Resort 1088, Escrea-Walddo, Opp. Novotel Shrem Hotel, Candolim, Goa Always Open +91 832 2489230/32 Allegria Goan, Portuguese This fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica serves mouth watering food. On offer are all the classic Goan dishes like Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel, and Kullanche Mass Kottnim, which is crab meat in a shell, and of course, the all time favourite, Fish Curry Rice. At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcete 7.30 pm to 10.45 pm +91 832 6683333 Peppers Gourmet Cuisine Seafood, Tandoor Indulge in innovative desserts and local flavours at this exciting food joint. Near Child Care School, Margao +91 832 2711125. +91 9822133506 A Tartaruga Multi – Cuisine This eating space is a great venue for weddings and parties with sprawling beach front lawns that can accommodate up to 1000 pax. At Colva Beach, Salcete 7 am to 11 pm +91 832 2788068/69 Casa Sarita For truly outstanding authentic Goan Food. Open only for dinner, this classy fine dining restaurant is a delightful place to explore Goan and Portuguese cuisine. At Park Hyatt Goa, Cansaulim +91 832 2721234 Tato’s Fine Dining Goan, Indian, Chinese Tato’s fine dining makes its presence felt in the culinary circles in Margao. Opp. New Collectorate, Margao 12 pm to 3 pm and 6.30 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2758590 Fisherman’s Wharf Authentic Goan It’s a fantastic restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. At the riverside, near Holiday Inn, Cavelossim – Salcete +91 832 2871317 Soul Soufflé Goan, North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Seafood Casual Dinning At Off The Old Verna Highway, Near UDddear Water Fall, Ambulour Village, Verna, Margao +918322782100 Gawin's Restaurant & Pub Seafood, Goan, Continental, Chinese Enjoy Sunday Brunch every week At Cansaulim Road, Verna +91 9822177179 Cherry Tomato Burger Cafe and Italian Restaurant At Vanelim, Colva +91 9561379963

Dropadi Restaurant Casual Dining North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Seafood, Goan At Palolem Beach, Palolem, Goa +91 832 264 4555 Vasco Square Casual Dining North Indian, Goan, Continental, Seafood At 211, Joseph Vaz Road, Vasco, Goa +91 832 250 0644 Coconut Creek Serves Non veg, Alcohol, Outdoor Seating Goan, Continental, Chinese, North Indian, Seafood At Bogmalo, Bimut Ward, Bogmalo +91 832 2538100/+91 9823117647 Konkani Restaurant Casual Dining North Indian, Konkan, Goan, Seafood At Jigisha Building, Varde Valaulikar Road, Margao +91 97638 22983 Pentagon Restaurant & Garden Pub Eclectic Asian, Indian and European menu. Sizzle your taste buds with awesome food at pentagon from starters to main course we have it all for you At Majorda Beach Road, Opp. Majorda Beach Resort, Salcete 12 pm to 12 am +91 832 2881402/ +91 9822091402

North Goa Restaurant Marbela Beach Italian, Seafood One of the finest beach resorts in the state, Marbela Beach is the ultimate destination to party or to unwind during the sunset with refreshing cocktails and decent food to hog on to. At Morjim –Ashvem Road, Morjim 7 am to midnight +91 832 8450599 Goa Marriott Resort & Spa Open for dinner 7 pm onwards every day, Wan Hao is also open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Re-orient your taste-buds with the choicest of Oriental cuisine all this season only. At Wan Hao, the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa! +91 832-246 3333. Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves Goan specialties like Rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid, and gratinated stuffed crab masala among other Goan delights. Near Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179 hotelavanti@yahoo.com Peep Kitchen Indian, Continental, Goan, Chinese A family restaurant with a bar run by a Goan family serves food with an authentic Goan and homely touch. At Caranzalem, Near Petrol Pump, Panjim Noon to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6454474

Hotel Sanskruti Chinese, Goan, Indian, Oriental It’s a pure vegetarian restaurant which is packed during lunch time. It’s really good for South Indian food, Thali, and chaat. At Near HDFC Bank, Porvorim 8 am to 11 pm +91 832 2414400/ +91 94233323822 Casa Bhonsle Indian & Goan All meals here are prepared in the authentic Hindu Goan Style. Above Café Bhonsle, Near Cine National, Panjim Noon to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2222260/ +91 9822100684 O’Asia Pan Asian This is the ultimate destination for your pan Asian culinary fix. At The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim Noon to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323047000 A Lua Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian, Seafood 11 am to 11 pm At, Bella vista, Sangolda +91 832 2416671/ 73 At Porie Bhatt, Verna Contact: +91 832 2782760/ +91 9881272080  At Bhueem Bhatt, St Cruz, Merces +91 832 2448172/ +91 2448757 A Pastelaria Bakery An ideal place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked offerings. 9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73 Anandashram Hotel Chinese, Goan and Seafood This is one of the oldest eateries in Goa and is something of an institution for its affordable and delicious Goan Fare. At 31st January Road, Panjim 1 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9823195245 Edu’s Restaurant Indian, Chinese, International and Goan Pizzas are one of their specialties. There’s nothing fancy about it but it has the vibe of a street café. Next to Magsons on the main DB Road in Panjim, Miramar. +91 832 2463777, +91 832 2463888 Go With the Flow   Brazillian, Mediterranean, Fusion  In an enchanting location on the Baga river bank, offering stunning views of the river, and sea beyond. Oh did we mention? The food’s really good, too. Chef Guto from Brazil really knows what he’s doing. We mean it.  At Calangute, Baga   +91 7507771556   contact@gowiththeflowgoa.com www. gowiththeflowgoa.com Mustard A Flavour to Savour Serving Bengali and European food, using mustard as a key ingredient. The only Bengali restaurant in Goa! At House No 78, Mae de dues Vaddo, Chogm Road, Sangolda +91 9823436120 Facebook: /mustardgoa

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Friday, February 26, 2016

Coconut Love, Coconut Valentine

Goans Rally To Show Love For Their Favourite Tree

By Shaeen Gomes

s a child I would be mesmerized watching a coconut plucker effortlessly climb a coconut tree. He would go right up and throw down some nuts, which we would then run to collect. Over the years there has been a decline not only in the number of coconut pluckers, but the coconut trees themselves. I wonder if Goan generations to come will see as many coconut trees as we have, in our verdant land! On this year’s Valentine’s Day, Goa ForGiving along with the History Heritage Action Group-Goa urged Goans to express their love for the Coconut Tree. There could have been no day better than this, to honour this humble tree, which has been recently removed from the tree category by the Goa Government. An online photo competition was thrown open for couples to send in their pictures with a coconut tree, and single people could even make the Coconut Tree their Valentine! This unique concept of celebrating Valentine’s Day triggered everyone’s minds, and creative entries began to pour in. In no time “Coconut Love, Coconut Valentine” became a trending topic on social and other media.

The news touched a radio station in the US too. Schools and colleges participated. One picture that went really viral was the one sent in by the students of Don Bosco Travel & Tourism Department. This picture became so popular that people wished each other on Valentine’s Day by forwarding that particular photograph. Goan cartoonists based in Dubai—Billytoons, Joseph Dias and Fabian Gonsalves—created special illustrations in support of the campaign. Five energetic interns from St. Xavier’s College were a part of this campaign. They came up with a lot of exciting ideas, like the concept of the Coconut King and Coconut Queen. Along with Daisy Moreno, they also prepared Dodol, a Goan traditional Christmas sweet, made entirely of coconut. On 14th February, all coconut tree lovers set out on a ‘Huggernaut’, which was inspired by the word juggernaut. At

the Coconut Chipko Movement at Nuvem, the youth wing of Goa’s Movement for Special Status made placards with messages. One of them said “Even Google says it’s a tree!” They also performed a hilarious yet hard hitting street play on this burning issue. Prominent citizens of Goa like artist Harshada Kerkar, cartoonist Alexyz, photographer Prasad Pankar, theatre personality Michael Gracias, Domnic Noronha (former sarpanch of Dramapur), historian Prajal Sakhardande, Armando Gonsalves (Chairman of Goa ForGiving Trust) and numerous activists were present. The residents of Nuvem too came forward and voiced their opinions. Everyone present tied a paper heart around the trees and hugged them, expressing their deep love for the Coconut Tree. The group then proceeded to Zeebop in Utorda for a coconut themed party. The Zeebop venue embraces all the coconut

trees around within the restaurant, which made it the perfect place to host this party. Sergio Dias, owner of Zeebop, plants at least ten coconut trees every year around his restaurant. Since Coconut was the theme of the day, each dish for lunch had coconut in it—curry, pumpkin with coconut, chicken xacuti, kismoor etc—and the drinks included coconut palm feni. Our home made Dodol and another coconut sweet sent in by Ms. Sufala Gaitonde were enjoyed by all. Goa’s Konkani heartthrob, O’luv Rodriguez, known for inventing instruments, just plucked a coconut leaf off a frond, and turned it into an instrument, to the tunes of which everyone sang and danced. Coconut artist Vijaydatta Lotlikar had his coco art on display—buttons, crosses and accessories—all made from coconut shells. The coconut tree is an integral part of every Goan’s life. Our Goan landscapes are incomplete without them. They add beauty to every sunset and every dawn. Every part of the coconut tree is useful, whether in food, medicines, for shelter, architecture, etc. Losing the tree would mean losing our identity itself, but we can triumph against this latest threat to the coconut tree by the sheer power of love! Shaeen Gomes is a Trustee of Goa ForGiving

Friday, February 26, 2016

Spires in the Sky Veteran Goan Artist’s Church Paintings Show Rich Symbolism

By Perin Ilavia

adguru Chendvankar has always been fascinated by the whitewashed churches that loom gracefully over the hills, islands and riverbanks of Goa. One of the oldest practicing artists in Goa, he has been exploring diverse mediums. His exhibition titled ‘Spires in The Sky’ opened on 19th February at Gallery Gitanjali in Panjim. In this lyrical meditation on the ‘churchscapes’ of Goa, he deliberates on these magnificent edifices, embedded as they are in the psyche of the land. The semi-abstract imagery and saturated colours of his landscapes portray the rich symbolism steeped in the socio cultural fabric of Goa. Look at the 30 paintings displayed and you can see a free flowing stream of thought. The subtle textures, colours and strokes dance in a balance of light and shade, saddling a duality between form and subject. Shapes appear and disappear in the architectural scenarios,

21 arts & entertainment 17

Friday, February 26, 2016

Feb 26 Music at Mog French percussionist Justin will perform on the unique mystical instrument named Hang. Kids are welcome. There will be a screening of film for them. INR Rs 600 per head. At Museum Of Goa, Pilerne 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm + 91 7722 08 9666

Feb 27 Etching on paper The exhibition on etching on paper ‘Ambubachi’ by Sonal Varshneya will be opened. At Museum Of Goa, Pilerne 5 pm to 7 pm + 91 7722 08 9666 Chamber Music Child’s Play India Foundation presents an evening of chamber music featuring Ensemble Riccardi-Feola-Bager (Laura Riccardi-violin; Angela Feola-piano; Jonathan Bager-flute). The programme features works by Vivaldi, Corelli, Schumann and others. Donation passes available at Furtado Music stores in Panaji and Margao. At Menezes Braganza hall, Panjim 6:30 pm + 91 832 2224143

March 13 Art Exhibition Sadguru Chendvankar will exhibit his latest series, entitled ‘Spires in The Sky’, and a lyrical meditation on the Churchscapes of Goa. At Gallery Gitanjali, Goa 9 am + 91 832 2423331

Feb 26 to May 2 Morphology of Archive Connected Histories of Goa At Museum of Goa, Pilerne 10 am to 6 pm +91 7722089666

March 4 to April 24 Webotika Featuring Unnati Singh At The Cube Gallery, Moira 10 am to 6 pm + 91 9422 80 6748

Galleries of Note The Cube Gallery Every architect, since the beginning of time, has secretly tried to create a vision of paradise in the buildings they design. Discover one such paradise and much more. At The Cube Gallery, Calizor Vaddo, Moira. 11 am to 7 pm +91 832 2470415/ +91 9422806748 thecubegallerygoa@gmail.com Surya Art Gallery This gallery is situated in a quiet location where contemporary works of canvas paintings from Goa and artifacts are displayed. At Bandawal Wada, Pernem 10 am to 6 pm +91 9404149764/ +91 9422064754 Galleria Esperance Retrospective Art in oils, watercolours, crayons, still life photographs etc. on display Near Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 4 pm to 7 pm +91 9922509704

Kerkar Art Gallery Exhibition of recent works of Subodh Kerkar “The Pepper Cross” & “Indigo”. Besides a new series of Laterite Stone Sculptures on display. At Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm +91 9326119324 Monsoon Heritage Studio Treat yourself to some amazing collection of mirrored mosaic art and handpicked artefacts at this upscale studio by Yahel Chirinian. At Mainath Batti, Arpora 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM +91 9822122771 Off The Wall Discover a collection of deeply astounding works of art displayed on a daily basis at this thoughtful art cafe. Fort Aguada Road, Sinquerim, Candolim 10:30 am to 11:30 pm +91 9820083497, +91 9823289123 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of the local culture with figurative works of Goan artists. Near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9:00 am to 8:00 pm +91 9822168703 Mario Art Gallery Discover the original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/ cartoonist Mario Miranda. Here you can buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books. At ‘Houses of Goa’, Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9:00 am to 5:30 pm +91 832 2410711 archauto@gmail.com www.mariodemiranda.com Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter is worth hopping into when you’re in the area. Fontainhas, Panjim 9:00 am to 9:00 pm +91 9823572035 gallerygitanjali@gmail.com www.gallerygitanjali.com Art Chamber: Galleria de Belas Artes One of the more interesting and pleasant art centres in the state featuring confident acrylic strokes that are somewhat three dimensional, put across the canvas by Yolanda De Souza and others. The musical acts here are worth looking out for too. Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm +91 832 2277144 artchamber@gmail.com www.goa-art.com Moksa Art Gallery Here you will find some immensely conceptual paintings by Salvadoran Fernandez and others. Naik Waddo, Calangute 9:30 am to 8:30 pm +91 832 2281121 mokshart@gmail.com www.mokshartgallery.com Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an in-house film club, sketch club, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. The red velvet cupcakes at Bodega are a must try! At Altinho, Panjim 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. +91 832 2421311 info@sgcfa.org | www.sgcfa.org

depicting urbanism in cubist arrangements, with accentuated lines highly reminiscent of stained glass windows. Sadguru remembers the churches as they appear during the day and night in the Goan countryside, giving a surreal effect of transformed energy and beauty. The luminosity and density of colour come from a delightful spontaneous precision, that seems to refute any notion of accidental elements. In his images of a pristine unpolluted Goa, the forms engage in dialogue, bridging reality and mystery and rhythm. The expressive backgrounds in red, black, blue and green defy convention. His brushstrokes celebrate a joyous mood in flowing lines, creating an enigmatic nostalgia of undertones that rise and fall like a melody. Sadguru tells me that the families of aspiring artists of his generation in Goa did not encourage them to pursue art, as it was neither lucrative nor fashionable to be an artist, as it is today. Almost all the Goan artists of his genre went to Mumbai to study art. Sadguru did his Master’s Diploma in Painting at the prestigious J J School of Art of Bombay in 1974 where he pursued various mediums and forms. He won a top prize for his work in egg tempera painting. Sadguru worked in graphics, water wash and charcoals as well, and his prints gave him insights into how to ground a painting. Sadguru is an expert in cold ceramics (also known as cold porcelain), an art form that originated in Argentina. Unlike ceramics where the material is clay, this is an inexpensive, nontoxic, easy-to-work-with material whose main components are cornstarch, white glue and food colour. Cold ceramic material can also include oils and glycerol which promotes a porcelainlike smooth texture. It is ideal for miniature

flowers, leaf sculptures, figurines and jewellery. The sculpted objects harden by exposure to fresh air and do not require heat for curing. However, once cured they easily soften or even dissolve by heat or water, and is hence not suitable for making crockery. From 1975-83, Sadguru taught art at Kala Academy. He then went on to teach at the Goa College of Art until 2006, and many of the present artists in Goa have studied under him. On retirement from the Art College he set up his studio at Sangolda in North Goa. At 68, he continues to tutor and mentor Goan artists. His new work also continues to stimulate his viewers. “It’s been a very fulfilling and exciting journey, one which started over 30 years ago. I sailed through the depression in the art market during the eighties, and continued exploring my creative potential. Working in semi abstraction has become my style. I also have to mention that my students have developed into admirable artists, and have done me proud,” says the veteran Goan artist. He has been participating in solo and group shows since 1962. He has shown his work in Mumbai, Bangalore, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Chennai, New Delhi and Goa, winning the Goa State Art Exhibition award several times. He won the Lalit Kala Academy award in New Delhi in 1995 and the Veteran Artist Award from the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society in 2010, and it doesn’t look like he will be stopping any time soon! ‘Spires in The Sky’ will be on exhibit till 13th March 2016, at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas, Panjim.

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Friday, February 26, 2016

Sandra Da Costa

A Bright Star On Stage, And In Court! A tête-à-tête with the versatile Sandra Da Costa, a law student who juggles between being a compere, singer and tiatr artiste. By Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello

recently attended the First Holy Communion party of a young relative at Nuvem. 21-year-old Sandra, who hails from Colva village in south Goa, was the host for the occasion. The bubbly 21-year-old handled the event effervescently and played many interesting party games for both the young and older guests. I caught up with her later for a Streets chat. Currently pursuing her Law degree at Kare College in Margao, Sandra is doing pretty well in her academics. “We get well versed with the functioning of the judiciary and offer legal advice to others,” she tells me. Compering is a passionate hobby for this energetic lass. “Compering is something I love doing,” she says. “Although it’s a part time activity for me, I give my best to every event that I host.” Sandra has been in the entertainment industry for four years now. She has hosted weddings, birthdays, communion parties, anniversaries and hotel shows ever since she was just sixteen. She recalls her first tryst with hosting an event. “My first compering was for a relative’s first birthday party. It wasn’t an official thing nor was I a pro then. I was just asked to do it by my uncle, as I am good at public speaking. After that, many offers poured in to host shows.” “I play very unique games for the parties I host,” she elaborates. “Most of the games are my very own and

my clients absolutely love them. I still recall a variation of the game of Musical Chairs, where we had to get all the items that were announced when the music stopped playing. I was voted out as I had to fetch a baby and was left with no chair to sit on. It was really good fun!” Sandra has hosted more than 75 shows. “I take up shows all over Goa. But it depends on my dad’s convenience, as I don’t venture out very late at night. I take up a show only if my dad is free. Close-by shows are always a yes-yes!” With no stage fright in her blood, this talented girl has also been acting in Konkani tiatrs. Her grandfather Cassino Da Costa was a great tiatr actor. Her father, uncles and cousins have all been into Konkani drama for many years. Sandra has acted in three Konkani dramas so far, portraying lead roles in ‘Gunneav Konnacho’ by Francis de Tuem, Blackmail by Menino Mario and Builder -2 by Comedian Ambe. “Some people have a wrong notion of girls acting in dramas,” she explains. “But it is not so. Many girls are passionate about acting and their parents accompany them to their tiatrs. As for me, I don’t take up a performance if my father is not acting in that particular tiatr.” Sandra has been receiving many other acting offers, but is taking a break as she is now in the midst of a crucial study year. A melodious singer too, she offers her dulcet voice to the Missa Solemnis and Colva church choirs. Her parents, Joaquim and Francisca are justifiably very proud of their daughter, who has also been recently nominated as best upcoming actress by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG). On her creative journey so far, Sandra has been inspired by many great people. She offers her mantra for youngsters: “Believe in yourself. Focus on your goal and never give up till you achieve your dreams.” 