Goa Celebrates Nature and Conservation with the Inauguration of Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026
17th January, 2026, Panaji: The Goa Forest Diversity Festival was inaugurated at the hands of Hon’ble CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Forest Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade and PCCF Shri Kamal Datta.
This Festival is dedicated to the forests of Goa and the communities, bringing together cultures and aged old traditions that have evolved in harmony with them over the years. This festival is not merely a celebration, it is a unique experience, a dialogue, and a collective commitment towards understanding and safeguarding Goa’s rich forest biodiversity.
This festival aims to bring forests closer to the people, not just through statistics, but through stories, food, art, performances and lived experiences.
One of the most distinctive highlights of this festival is the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space where visitors will witness live demonstrations by Chanekars, Khajekars, traditional coconut craft, clay pottery, gardening demonstrations, Kokedama art, and other local art forms that reflect sustainable living practices passed down through generations.
The Forest Kitchen is the soul of the festival, showcasing tribal and traditional cuisine inspired by forest communities and Self-Help Groups. Food, after all, is one of the most powerful ways to understand culture. These recipes reflect seasonality, ecology and respect for nature, reminding us that sustainability has always been part of our traditional way of life.
Our Green Bazaar is curated with stalls selling eco-friendly products and forest-based goods that supports local artisans and sustainable livelihoods. It reinforces that conservation and economic opportunity can co-exist and must go hand in hand.
Throughout the festival, visitors will witness a union of culture and conservation, Mhaka Naka Plastic, carries a strong green message.
The entertainment at the opening ceremony will feature Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra, followed by Morulo Dance, Katti Fugdi, Jagor Act and a forest themed Light show by Vajra Aigal.
Speaking at the festival, Chairperson, Dr. Deviya Rane emphasised, “A unique one of its kind festival that provides a platform for the tribal communities and self-help groups to showcase their forest inspired cuisine and culture. Through this festival, we are sensitising youth and citizens to critical issues such as plastic pollution, wildlife protection and sustainable living. Conservation cannot succeed through legislation alone; it requires active community participation.
With this vision, we are also working towards creating a Mini Forest in the heart of the city, a living, breathing public space where nature, livelihoods and community come together. As part of this initiative, 20 festival stalls will be converted into permanent structures, providing a dedicated platform for Self-Help Groups, local artisans, forest-based producers and eco-entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. This space is envisioned not merely as a one-time event, but as a regular weekly or monthly marketplace, enabling sustainable livelihoods, encouraging green entrepreneurship and bringing citizens closer to nature-driven economies.”
The Festival also witnessed the launch of the Coffee Table Book “Forest Recipes of Goa” – Stories of Tribal Food, a photoessay by Ms. Assavri Kulkarni and published by Goa Forest Development Corporation.
Yet another highlight of the festival was the release of a stunning wildlife documentary “Falling of the Radar – Waterfalls of Goa”, directed by acclaimed wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Mr. Giri Cavale and produced by the StoryLark team.
