Walking Through Goa's Heritage
For heritage enthusiasts, the GHAG Walk Fest was more than just a series of tours. It was a unique opportunity to delve into the soul of Goa, writes Manu Shrivastava
The Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), which has been furthering the conservation and celebration of Goa's natural, built and intangible heritage, stands as a symbol of optimism in safeguarding and showcasing the cultural legacy of Goa.
This year, it marked a significant stride by orchestrating a sequence of illuminating excursions that weren't merely conventional sightseeing journeys; instead, they presented an exceptional chance for attendees to plunge into the essence of Goa, encountering its history, culture, and traditions firsthand.
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| GHAG Walk Fest 2023 comprised 30 curated walks across Goa |
The most recent edition of the GHAG Walk Fest 2023 unfolded last month with 30 curated walks across captivating locales in Goa. The sites were meticulously selected to mirror the diverse cultural and natural panoramas of the state.
From the dynamic markets of Mapusa to the tranquil settings of Mandodari Lake, from the historical allure of Old Goa to the lively streets of Panjim, each location bestowed a distinctive peek into the core of Goa.
The festival commenced with an inaugural walk on November 16 at Azad Maidan, Panjim. This event laid the foundation for a captivating voyage through time and culture.
The leaders of the walks weren't mere narrators recounting historical anecdotes; instead, they embodied the role of custodians of Goa’s vibrant heritage, generously sharing their insights and enthusiasm with the participants.
Guiding these walks were 'experts,' in varied fields and recognised for their affection towards Goan heritage. Termed as "passoikars," derived from the Konkani term "passoi" signifying a leisurely stroll, this assembly included professionals such as historians, educators, architects, etc.
Their love for Goa's heritage and commitment to preserving its cultural fabric contributed a wealth of knowledge and authenticity to the walking experiences.
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| Distinguished individuals in their respective fields guided the walks |
Beyond the guided walks, the festival also showcased the inaugural India Walk Slam on November 19. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to unite like-minded individuals from various corners of India. The objective was to motivate them to curate walks in their own villages, towns, and cities, thus disseminating the ethos of heritage preservation.
For aficionados of heritage, GHAG Walk Fest 2023 transcended the realm of ordinary tours. It presented a unique occasion to delve into the very soul of Goa. Each walk pledged an immersive encounter, unlocking concealed narratives and treasures.
Participants seized the opportunity to explore serene landscapes, unearth historical sites, and acquire knowledge about indigenous flora and fauna.
The Goa Heritage Action Group tours of 2023 were indeed a testament to the enduring spirit of Goa’s cultural legacy. GHAG Vice Chairperson Heta Pandit, a resident of the picturesque village of Saligao in Goa, has led diverse careers.
After spearheading numerous heritage awareness and action initiatives in Bombay, Heta moved to Goa 26 years ago. Here, she co-founded the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) in 2000, alongside architects Raya Shankhwalker and Poonam Verma Mascarenhas.
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| The participants included people from all walks of life |
GHAG is a dedicated organisation advocating for the preservation, conservation, and restoration of Goa’s multifaceted heritage, encompassing its natural landscapes, architectural marvels, and rich cultural traditions.
Heta shares, “My colleague Jack Sukhija and I believed that walking tours would be an excellent method for exploring and understanding our own culture, heritage, and history. Each of our curators, or ‘Passoikars’, is an expert in their respective field. We have a diverse team of architects, doctors, naturalists, historians, artists, and poets leading our walks.”
The response to these walks was overwhelming, with all tours selling out to full capacity. The participants of these walks were a diverse group, including locals, new settlers, visiting scholars, and tourists, all brought together by their shared interest in Goa’s heritage.
The GHAG Walk Fest commenced with a walk in Old Goa, curated by ‘Make It Happen’ and presented by history graduate Amreen Sheikh. Heta recalls, “It was a ‘WOW!’ moment for all of us.”
The festival then transitioned into a leisurely exploration, with a walk in Vasco, a city surprisingly rich in historical ‘firsts’. GHAG Life Member Tejas Pandit curated this walk, infusing his narrative with humour and human dignity.
Heta and Life Member Jack Sukhija conducted the São Tomé heritage walk, meandering through this beautiful, organically-evolved neighbourhood. She adds, “This neighbourhood holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a people’s space, a space that grew naturally over time.”
The Curca Spring Walk, led by GHAG Life Member Tallulah D’Silva, was a revelation. Heta shares, “Did you know that there was once a thriving Jewish trading community in Goa, with a small number of these people residing in Curca?
“The spring is natural, but the ruins of the old mikve (ritual bath) still remain as a testament to this forgotten chapter of Goa’s history.”
The “passoikars” included Orijit Sen, Gurpreet Sidhu, Vaishnavi Desai, Darpana Athale, Fernando Velho, Arti Das among others.
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