While 'Goencho Festakar', Marius Fernandes, is known to curate various fests in Goa that celebrate the culture and heritage of the land, this is the first time that he has curated 'Ostoreachem' (women) fest, a festival that celebrated women and the girl child.
The festival also aimed at addressing women and girl child concerns, zero waste, inclusivity and accessibility. It was held at the 'Peaceful Society', in Madkai.
The festival started with ‘Balcaoancho Gozalli’ where Kumar Kalanand Mani and Bharati Bandodkar spoke to senior journalist Prakash Kamat about the history of the Peaceful Society.
A chef from Porvorim, Irene Dias, then conducted a workshop on how to Goan sweets like 'donne' and 'pudde' are prepared.
The women at the fest also spoke about their daily lifestyle and coping with issues surrounding women and the girl child.
An age-old traditional skill of making ‘mollam’ from coconut palms was demonstrated by Anjali Naik from Madkai. A Human Library was another highlight of the fest.
Food like ‘khotkhotem’, ‘mango sasao’, ‘alsande roçe’, ‘Goan salad’, ‘pickles’ and ‘desserts’ were served to the people. The community kitchen included women volunteers.
The 'Ostorchem fest' concluded with a Konkani cultural programme and playing of traditional musical instruments.