It’s sometimes exciting to let your instincts guide you, especially if you are out to splurge on some perfectly pieced, hand-crafted items and gorge on food from across a country like India. And Lokotsav 2024 that is all set to open its doors today (January 26, 2024), will let you dive into India’s finest artistry and food.
Organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, in association with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, the ten-day annual National Folk Festival will be held until February 4, 2024 at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Campal, Panjim.
Bringing together artistes from the far corners of the country, a wealth of choices are available to anyone heading to the festival – from handicrafts, handlooms, traditional jewellery, clothes, jutis, ceramic pieces and much more.
Coming from Kerela’s Thrissur district is Alan Sebastian with his sustainable and hand-woven products, including screw pine and water hyacinth baskets and bags.
“These are perfectly woven pieces that take at least a day to complete before removing the leaf thorns and sun-drying them,” says Sebastian who’s a first timer at the festival and is curious to know how it unfolds.
Although the stalls were just being set up for the inauguration by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant due later on the evening of January 26, there were people already making their way to find the perfect accessories, including home décor and planters, before they get picked up.
“These are some of our handcrafted lampshades,” says Priyanka Banavali from Goa pointing out to the products displayed at her stall. She adds, “We offer table lamps, wall mountings and much more, the electricity isn’t connected right now but they look beautiful when lit.”
Priyanka has been setting up her stall at the festival for years, and is optimistic that this time’s layout will help customers scour around quite easily.
Apart from the numerous stalls (open from 10 am to 10 pm), there’s also a food section bringing to you some mouthwatering culinary delights and a stage ready to host cultural performances from different states across the country from 6 pm to 10 pm.
The festival won’t just guarantee you a great trip, but will boost India’s local artisans and small-scale businesses, leave you appreciative of the artistry and sheer variety and, who knows, you could end up exploring India right here in Goa. So, head to Lokotsav and see where you wind up!