PANAJI: At a time when the number of varieties of mangoes native to Goa, is on a decline while there is a rising influx of the fruit from other states; the upcoming ‘Ambeachem Fest’ (mango festival) hopes to rekindle the passion that our ancestors had by sharing the knowledge with youngsters to look after the growth of Mango trees for the generations to come.
The ‘Ambeachem Fest’ is scheduled for May 8 at Montfort Academy, Corlim. It will also mark the golden jubilee (50th fest) of people’s festival curated by Marius Fernandes, who is popular as ‘Goencho Festakar’.
Addressing a press conference, Marius highlighted the inclusivity, employment and knowledge-sharing as the key aspects of the ‘Ambeachem Fest’ and other festivals to follow.
“From now on, every festival has to give people an opportunity of creating employment… We need to create awareness about our mangoes going extinct. The sharing of knowledge is also important. If we don’t share the knowledge about our mangoes, then we cannot blame our youngsters,” said Marius.
Among many surprises, singing and dancing; the day will also witness youngsters do a grafting demonstration, experts including Miguel Braganza carry out various processes to care for the mango tree. ICAR scientists will also be around to guide the visitors, among others. In one of the attractions of the event, Sunetra Talaulikar will demonstrate recipes of several Mango dishes.
Coordinator of the festival, Prakash Kamat reveled that persons with disability (PwD) attached to National Association of Blind, Disability Rights Association of Goa will display their skills and their craft will also be available for sale; in what is an essential initiative for empowerment to make inclusion a reality. He also disclosed that Goa Police will have a booth to apprise the people of their helpline service to senior citizens and PwD. The helpline can be accessed at 112, 1090 while a whatsapp number 7875756000 is also in service.
Assistant-Professor of Dempo College, Tania Shirodkar, who is a volunteer for the fest, shed light on the skilling courses and counselling initiative supporting the communities, via Montfort Academy.
In the run-up to the ‘Ambeachem Fest’, the organisers are also looking to provide a boost to the girl child and Goa’s state instrument ‘Ghumot’ by launching Goa Girls Ghumot Group (GGGG). A workshop is played from May 4-7 where by 20-30 girls will be trained and Marius is confident that this effort will be a world record!
Some of the other festivals announced are – Ostoreanchem Fest (Women’s festival), Purumentachem Fest, Ponsachem Fest (Jackfruit festival) and Avoyanchem Fest (Mother’s festival).
