While the rest of the state will celebrate India as a republic, a testament to our unity in diversity, on January 26, Festakar Marius returns with yet another festival, one that celebrates women.
Aptly named ‘Ostoreachem Fest’ which translates to ‘Women’s Festival’, the second edition of the festival will be hosted in the beautiful village of Madkai in North Goa on January 26, 2024. The program will begin at 11am and conclude by 3 pm.
“Festakar Marius’ festivals are always empowering, and likewise, this festival will look out for the economic empowerment of women,” said Prakash Kamat, coordinator of the festival.
The intention behind this festival is to help the helpless and backward women of Goa to garner practical skills that will educate and push them to start fending for themselves.
Festakar Marius’ festivals are always empowering, and likewise, this festival will look out for the economic empowerment of women.
Prakash Kamat, coordinator of the festival
“The event is more than just a celebration, it is meant to be a learning experience with workshops that will teach the women skills that aim to preserve and pass on traditional skills. The fest is a testament to the commitment towards community engagement and empowerment,” shared the Festakar.
He also hopes that the women will start up small businesses of their own with the skills they acquire from the workshops at the festival which will be held throughout the day, and offer hands-on experiences in mollam making, roteassao, coconut plucking, traditional candle making, pudde making and much more.
The festivities will kick off with the Festakar Pasoi which will be followed by an interesting musical twist of the Kottiecho Nach (coconut dance) which will be led by Angela Valadares.
Pioneered by the Festakar himself, it is an added element that will make people groove to the beats of coconut shells.
“These fests encourage people to know our Goan culture, tradition, food, etc. My contribution to this fest is adding a little bit of plants to it,” said Minguel Braganza, a plant enthusiast.
He added, “We’re going to have a young agriculture graduate demonstrating and training others on how to climb a coconut tree!”
We’re going to have a young agriculture graduate demonstrating and training others on how to climb a coconut tree!
Minguel Braganza, a plant enthusiast
Situated on ground level, the fest has been organised keeping the differently abled in mind and will be held at the Peaceful Society which is a disability friendly zone.
This years Ostoreachem Fest is unique as it is a crowdfunded, inclusive and zero-waste event. The organisers also urge attendees to contribute to the sustainability initiative by bringing their own cutlery, plates and cups.
Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, part of the Festakars team explained, “2023 was declared as the International year of the millets. And, we’re still carrying this on in 2024 and will have the Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture tell us the many benefits of millets at the festival.”
“This event promises to showcase the very best of Goan hospitality and unfold a vibrant tapestry of Goan heritage,” concludes Marius, who is excited to host this event, his 82nd fest.
2023 was declared as the International year of the millets. And, we’re still carrying this on in 2024 and will have the Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture tell us the many benefits of millets at the festival.
Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, team Festakar
Looking forward to his calendar that is already stacked with festivals every month for the year 2024, he says he has a few more festivals in him before he retires at 100 fests.
DETAILS
CONTACT: Festakar Marius Fernandes: +91 9049081962 / Prakash Kamat Contact: +91 9422443093