Twenty-five years, 99 festivals later and with a new passion for community celebrations, Divar-based Marius Fernandes, better known as Goencho Festakar (Goa's festival man), is all geared to celebrate his 100th festival, a milestone very few cultural champions can take pride in.
On Saturday, April 12, the campus of the Goa College of Agriculture in Old Goa will host Marius's 100th community endeavour—Honey Fest — where scientists and experts will talk about the importance of bees. There will be workshops on making honey cakes, honey biscuits, and a lot more.
"Whenever people see a bee hive somewhere they panic and set it on fire. In many places, they're killing all the bees. There's a shortage of bees across the world. My concern is who is going to save the queen bee?" Marius poses a very pertinent question.
His cultural journey began with a promise to himself. “At the age of 20, I told myself I’d never work for anyone after I turned 40,” he recalls. True to his word, he left the UK on his 40th birthday and came to Goa, determined to carve out a life on his terms.
With sincerity as his compass and community as his cause, he started what would become a revolutionary model for cultural revival in Goa.
In the last 25 years that he has been here, the man has brought together communities to celebrate and revive Goa's forgotten traditions in a meaningful manner, entirely built on the foundation of love, inclusivity and zero sponsorship.
"At these festivals, there are no tickets, no sponsors, and no profit motive. Not a rupee has been taken or given. It’s about individual social responsibility,” he says assertively and proudly.
From the Ramponkaranchem Fest (fisherman's festival), which honoured Goa's fishing communities, to the Ghumot Fest celebrating the State's percussion instrument, Marius has explored every theme and subject to dig deep into Goa's cultural ethos and celebrated these with the depth and fervour they deserved.
"People always remember the Ramponkaranchem Fest in Arambol. They really enjoyed that because besides anything they got fresh fish to take home and free food to eat. The Ghumot Fest eventually led to the ghumot being declared as the state instrument of Goa," he says with satisfaction smeared across his face.
So, what happens after the 100th festival, will Marius stop? "Yes, I am going to stop on May 24, my birthday when I will celebrate 66 years. By that time, I will celebrate some more festivals," he mentions and adds, "This news has not gone down well with many people, who have been upset and are calling me."
"With age come health issues. Also, I've realised people who have been with me are also getting older and they can't travel far. So I'm thinking if there is anybody who can offer me an old house, I could turn it into a festachem ghor (meaning house of festivals). This way, we will remain centralised instead of moving to all parts of Goa," he observes.
And, as he prepares to step back, he knows the importance of documenting this impactful journey of 25 years. He has been encouraging others not to feel sad and instead focus on preserving the work that has been done.
With age come health issues. Also, I've realised people who have been with me are also getting older and they can't travel far. So I'm thinking if there is anybody who can offer me an old house, I could turn it into a festachem ghor (meaning house of festivals). This way, we will remain centralised instead of moving to all parts of Goa
Marius Fernandes
For the last one month, a film crew from Mumbai has been following him across Goa capturing footage for a documentary. "This is the same film crew that made a film on the mango tree that got uprooted on Divar island," he informs.
However, Marius feels the documentary is not enough. Given that there have been 100 unique festivals, he believes there should be 100 different booklets, each celebrating Goan culture.
More than a milestone, Marius sees his 100th festival as a moment to pause, reflect, and evolve. “I celebrate every morning I wake up,” he shares. “I’m not in the best of health, but there’s still so much to do.”