A truly local Goan experience awaits G20 delegations
Panaji: The host hotel Grand Hyatt Goa (GHG) has been chosen to host the first G20 meeting to begin on Monday, April 17. The management of the resort in view of the G20 meetings has been working closely with authorities to ensure the security, safety and comfort of the delegation.
As sustainability is one of the key focus areas for the upcoming G20 Summit the resort has replaced plastic with natural products in its room amenities and in the meeting rooms. From recycled conference pads and paper pens, the meeting room will feature natural elements to give emanate a more Goan look.
Even the food will have local Goan influences with dishes like Chicken and Vegetable Xacuti, Lamb Vindaloo, Fish Caldine, Rechead Fried Fish and Goan Fish Curry. There will be a special risotto Bar featuring Goan red rice alongside a Ross Omelette Station. The Goan poiee, pao, will be featured here too. Batika and Serradura are some desserts that will be on the menu too.
Besides, flavours from across the globe; Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, Middle Eastern and Western will be served. Due to 2023 being declared as the International Year of Millets, special dishes like, Foxtail millet mango rice, Ragi fish momos, Buckwheat grilled fish risotto, which are tried and tested will be served here.
A grand welcome on arrival will include presenting a tender coconut, cold towels, aarti tikka and some live entertainment of Goan folk dances.
For a thorough Goan experience there will be various stalls set up at the resort to showcase Goan handicrafts. Here, bamboo work, handmade flowers, pottery, handloom (Kunbi sarees), cashew feni and kaavi art will be showcased.
A well-planned entertainment programme has been put in place for the delegation at the hotel.The cultural programme for the welcome dinner on Sunday will have a lamp dance, mando, a kathak dance performance, musal dance, Gomant rang and a dekhni performance. Besides, there will be local Goan musicians who will play the violin, guitar, tabla and sitar.
A yoga session has also been included for the delegation. Goa’s fadista Sonia Shirsat will entertain the guests with fado and music for the gala dinner on April 18. The farewell dinner on April 19, will feature Swizel Costa and a group performing a musical and a flute recital by Sonik Arvind Velingkar.