Department of Art & Culture, Govt. of Goa debuts at BTL Lisbon 2025
Lisbon, 12th March 2025: The Department of Art & Culture, Government of Goa made a vibrant debut at the prestigious BTL Lisbon 2025 (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa) showcasing Goa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on an international platform.
The Goa Art & Culture Pavilion was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of Art & Culture and Sports, Shri Govind Gaude, in the esteemed presence of H.E. Shri Puneet Roy Kundal, Ambassador of India to Portugal, Shri Premendra V. Shet, Hon’ble MLA (Mayem), Shri Antonio Vaz, Hon’ble MLA (Cortalim), Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Art & Culture) and Shri Sagun Velip, Director, Directorate of Art & Culture.
The Goa Pavilion captivated visitors with its vibrant showcase of Goan art, literature, pottery, feni and authentic Goan delicacies such as Bibinca and Cashewnuts thereby presenting a true taste of the state’s unique identity. Live demonstrations of pottery-making displayed by renowned traditional Goan artist Umakant Poke and Santosh Govekar under the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme, drew significant attention from artist enthusiasts.
Musicians, Carlos Gonsalves and Sigmund de Souza kept the energy alive at the booth with soulful Goan music, blending traditional tunes, highlighted by performances with the Ghumat and Guitar, creating a melodious cultural experience.
The Hon’ble Minister for Art, Culture & Sports, Govt. of Goa, Shri Govind Gaude said, “Goa’s culture & heritage is appreciated far and wide and we are very happy to showcase this rich and vibrant forms of art & culture be it music, food, handicrafts and more on a platter across the globe. We are happy to be participating at the BTL Lisbon 2025.”
The Secretary, Art & Culture and Handicrafts, Govt. of Goa, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS said, “This year not only marks 50 years since the restoration of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal, but also the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Fundacao Oriente in Goa, which was set up in 1995.
It is also worth to mention that this is the first time Goan artists and traditional handicraft makers travelled all the way from Goa to Lisbon and showcased Goan culture at the global platform . Indeed it is first-of-its-kind experience for the PM Viswakarma Beneficiaries to showcase their artistic products at the global stage.”
The participation of the Department of Art & Culture at BTL Lisbon 2025 marks a significant step in promoting Goa as a global cultural destination and strengthening international cultural ties between India and Portugal.
