PRESS RELEASE
PANJIM, 23nd MAY2023: Caculo Mall, Panjim, proudly hosted a three-day Zero Waste Inclusive Purumentachem Fest, curated by the renowned Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes. This event, which marked Fernandes’ 75th people’s festival in Goa, showcased a unique blend of sustainability, culture, and community engagement. Hundreds of enthusiastic individuals from various backgrounds flocked to the mall to partake in this celebration.
The festival, organized as part of Caculo Mall’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, aimed to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and promote inclusivity within the local community. Flossie Lopes led the Parra Sunshine Girls’ Band regaling old Konkani songs with her ukelele and Ghumots. Agnelo Fernandes, winner of the Global Konkani Icon Award captivated the gatherings with Konkani classics from the 60s and the 70s and contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
A diverse range of workshops conducted by Gwendolyn de Ornelas, Clavia Fernandes, Sabina Da Cunha, Rashmi Madkaikar, Emera Remedios and Chef Maria Dias. Participants had the chance to learn the intricate techniques of weaving coconut leaves with Sabina Da Cunha from Parra and restoring old Goan chairs with Santan Rebello from Taleigao allowing them to appreciate and preserve these traditional crafts. Principal Suresh Kunkalikar of Goa College of Agriculture interacted with Senior Journalist Prakash Kamat about his vision for agriculture in Goa and Mr. Gaonkar conducted a grafting workshop. History was created with a launch of the 5G Global Goans Girls’ Ghumot Group led by Gwendolyn de Ornelas and a women’s unique mud instrument called the GHUPOTEEN.
The Fest gave a platform for women vendors from across Goa, who played a vital role in driving the success of this people’s fest. By empowering women vendors and promoting their businesses, the festival aimed to foster economic growth and social empowerment within the local community.
Reflecting on the festival, Festakar Marius Fernandes expressed his gratitude to Caculo Mall and Marketing Manager Roshan Gonsalves and thank festam team Angela Valadares, Gerald Lopes, Dominic D’Souza, Vaibhav Salgaonkar among a few others for organising an early birthday surprise ceremony. He said, “It is truly a moment of pride to celebrate the 75th people’s festival here in Goa, and I am grateful to Caculo Mall for providing a platform to promote sustainability, culture, and promoting a greener and more inclusive future for Panjim and to the Goan diaspora across the globe. Curator Marius Fernandes. 9049081961 Coordinator Prakash Kamat +91 94224 43093