Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 22: The three-day Spirit of Goa Festival 2026 will be held at Colva from April 24 to 26, celebrating Goan cuisine, local spirits, music and craftsmanship through an immersive showcase of the state’s heritage.

According to the Tourism Department, the festival will spotlight Goa’s traditional food and beverage culture, with special emphasis on local delicacies and the heritage drink Feni.

Visitors can explore food stalls, attend live cooking sessions and interact with distillers to learn about traditional distillation practices.

The festival will open with a performance by the Kanta Gawde Traditional Dance Troupe, featuring a lamp dance following the inauguration ceremony.

A musical line-up has also been curated across all three days. The opening day will feature Junktion, Shine On Band and Danceophilia Band, followed by performances by 24K India Band, Crimson Band and Big City India Band on the second day.

The concluding day will host performances by Lynx Band, Pure Magic Band and Truly Yours Band.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the festival has grown into a marquee event in Goa’s tourism calendar, showcasing the state’s culinary and cultural identity beyond conventional tourism.

He said the initiative also seeks to deepen community participation and encourage visitors to experience Goa in a more meaningful way.

Dedicated spaces will also be provided for artisans and local entrepreneurs to showcase handicrafts, textiles and homegrown products, while workshops, mixology sessions and cultural demonstrations are expected to add to the festival experience.