The vibrant and culturally-rich land of Goa witnessed a remarkable celebration of tradition, culture and community spirit at the inaugural “Bhurgeachem Fest” at Our Lady of Rosary church, Navelim-Salcete on December 27, 2023. It was curated by ‘Festakar’ Marius Fernandes and Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
This festival unfolded in the picturesque Church courtyard under the guidance of Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, the parish priest, co-ordinator Priya Almeida, volunteers and resource persons.
The festivities kicked off at 10 am with the enchanting ‘Kottieacho Nach’ performed by Priya Almeida and group, setting a spirited tone for the day. Following this, the lighting of the lamp ceremony saw Fr. Dylan D’Costa, assistant Parish priest, Festakar Marius Fernandes, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and a local resident Jennifer doing the honours. TV star Benhail Antao then put up an engaging presentation on the theme “Know Your Wildlife.” The festival reached its pinnacle at noon, featuring five mesmerising workshops covering Mollam and Rotesao making, Choral singing, Football Fun, and more. ‘Bhurgeachem Fest’ 2023 truly encapsulated the essence of Goa, seamlessly weaving together tradition, culture, and community, all while championing sustainable practices and celebrating the region’s rich heritage.
The resounding success of this inaugural festival foreshadows an even brighter future for the event in the years to come. The event’s success owes much to the dedication of ‘Festakar’ Marius Fernandes, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, and the co-ordination prowess of Priya Almeida. Their collaborative efforts brought forth a day filled with joy, learning, and a sense of unity among the diverse communities of Goa.
Looking at the joy of hosting the 1st “Bhurgeachem Fest,” it becomes evident that this event is poised to become a staple in Goa’s cultural calendar, fostering a stronger bond among its people and promoting sustainable practices for a brighter future. The Bhurgeachem Fest is an inclusive celebration curated to unite the people of Goa through tradition, culture and community spirit. It aims to promote sustainable practices while showcasing the region’s rich heritage, stated a press release.
