Goa Forest Festival Puts Nature and Heritage in the Spotlight
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival transformed Campal into a vibrant celebration of nature and conservation. Organized by the Goa Forest Development Corporation, the event drew attention to the region's rich ecological and cultural treasures.
Chief Minister Calls for Preservation of Forest Recipes
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the festival with a strong message. He highlighted how initiatives like this promote Goa's biodiversity and cultural practices through the interconnected elements of Jal, Jungle, and Jameen (water, forest, and land).
"Forest recipes from Goa, which you won't find in five-star hotels, must be documented and preserved," Sawant stated. He emphasized that this effort would show younger generations how traditional Goan life was lived in earlier times.
Plant Enthusiast Displays Rare Lily Seeds
Sunita Shirodkar, a passionate plant lover from Ponda, captivated visitors with her display of lily seeds. She showcased varieties including the Malabar Glory Lily, daffodils, and March Lily.
"These lilies were once abundant in our region," Shirodkar explained. "I once ordered a lily online and received a counterfeit plant. My goal is to encourage people to grow authentic, local flowers." Her stall aimed to revive interest in native flora.
Artist Revives 700-Year-Old Kaavi Art Tradition
Artist Sagar Naik Mule presented Kaavi Art, an ancient mural tradition dating back seven centuries. This unique art form uses Goan red soil to create intricate designs.
"The red laterite motifs on white shell-lime surfaces adorn many Goan temples," Mule noted. "However, this art is fading because the technique demands significant time and patience." His demonstration highlighted the need to sustain this cultural heritage.
Stalls Feature Handcrafted Items and Tribal Cuisine
The festival grounds buzzed with activity as numerous stalls displayed a variety of handmade products. Visitors explored items crafted from:
- Hand-woven palm leaves
- Earthen clay
- Cane and coconut shells
Traditional Handloom Kunbi clothing and the sweet delicacy Khaje showcased lesser-known occupations like weaving. These exhibits provided insights into Goa's artisanal skills.
Food stalls offered dishes from tribal communities, prepared using local ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and pulses. Tubers like Katkongam and zhaddkongam proved particularly popular among the crowds.
"These unique flavors were largely unknown before," said attendee Shubra Shankwalkar. "Tribal communities never had a proper platform to share their culinary traditions earlier." The festival successfully created that space, allowing these authentic tastes to reach a wider audience.
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival served as a powerful reminder of the state's natural wealth and cultural depth. It brought together conservation efforts, artistic heritage, and community traditions in a single, dynamic event.
