Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Apr 19: Marking World Heritage Day, visitors across India were granted free entry to all monuments under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), including prominent heritage sites in Goa. Among these, Fort Aguada saw a surge of visitors as it was exempted from entry charges for the day.

In a notable development, the ASI Goa Circle inaugurated a digital heritage walk at the iconic St Augustine Tower in Old Goa. As part of a pilot initiative to enhance visitor engagement and awareness, a QR code has been installed on-site. By scanning the code, tourists can access audio narratives and visual content in Hindi and English directly on their smartphones.

“Most monuments offer little to no information about their architectural details or excavation history,” said Abhijit Ambekar, superintending archaeologist with additional charge in Goa. “The e-walk brings this information to life, making the visitor experience more meaningful and interactive,” he added.

With plans to expand this initiative, ASI intends to implement similar digital features at other heritage sites across Goa soon.

World Heritage Day, observed annually on April 18, celebrates the importance of safeguarding cultural and historical sites. This year, the day coincided with Good Friday, drawing worshippers and tourists alike to Goa’s revered sacred spaces, including the Church and Convent of St Francis of Assisi and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, both of which echo with centuries of rich religious and architectural heritage.