Goa Tourism Takes Deepotsav 2026 Across Three Locations, Spotlighting the Traditions, Food and Folk Culture Behind Goan Diwali
Mapusa, Aldona and Porvorim to host a celebration of Goa’s festive heritage, with traditional competitions, an agricultural heritage showcase and musical performances
Panaji, Goa | 13 November 2026: From handmade Akash Kandils and traditional Fugdi performances to the grains, millets and farming practices rooted in Goa’s rural heritage, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is bringing the many dimensions of the state’s Diwali celebrations into the spotlight through Deepotsav 2026, being organised across Mapusa on November 15, Aldona on November 20 and Porvorim on November 22.
Moving beyond conventional festive celebrations, Deepotsav will highlight the cultural practices, traditional knowledge and community customs that have shaped Diwali in Goa across generations. Each location will bring a distinct dimension to the celebration, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the state’s heritage through folk traditions, indigenous crafts, agricultural displays and music.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “Goa’s festivals are an important part of what makes our cultural identity distinctive. With Deepotsav, we are bringing attention to traditions that are often experienced within our homes and villages but deserve a wider audience. From our handmade festive decorations and folk performances to traditional farming knowledge and local food heritage, we want people to discover the many stories that make Goa special. These are also the experiences that allow visitors to connect with Goa beyond its beaches.”
The Mapusa celebration on November 15 will bring folk culture and festive creativity to the forefront, with the All-Goa Fugdi Competition and All Goa Akash Kandil Competition. The evening will feature Suroon Ki Diwali: Symphony of Lights and Music, with performances by Nawab Shaikh, Deepashree Shanbhag, Annapurna Sakardande and Rajesh Madgaonkar.
At Aldona on November 20, the celebrations will turn the spotlight on Goa’s agricultural heritage through a showcase of traditional farming practices and agricultural tools. Displays of grains, pulses and millets will introduce visitors to the diversity of local produce and the agricultural knowledge that continues to influence Goa’s food culture. By connecting festive traditions with the state’s farming heritage, the showcase will offer a glimpse into the relationship between agriculture, food and community life in Goa.
The Porvorim celebration on November 22 will bring together music and cultural performances, featuring Devansh Mandar Bhate, Hrishikesh Nitin Dhawalikar and Shravani Wagle. The programme will add a musical dimension to the festivities, bringing communities together through live performances.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said, “Deepotsav brings together different aspects of Goa’s heritage, from folk art and music to traditional agriculture and local produce. We want these experiences to encourage community participation and help younger generations connect with the traditions that have been passed down over time.”
The celebrations will also draw attention to traditional Goan festive customs and indigenous skills, including handmade lantern-making, culinary practices and folk-art forms. An audio-visual documentation initiative will capture traditional Diwali observances and customs across Goan communities, helping preserve these practices for future generations.
Through Deepotsav 2026, the Department of Tourism aims to strengthen Goa’s cultural tourism offering by presenting its heritage through experiences rooted in local communities. By bringing together festive customs, agriculture, craftsmanship, food and performing arts across three locations, the initiative celebrates the people and traditions that give Goa its distinctive cultural character.
