~The Heritage First Festival returns for its second edition with 41 walks and workshops scheduled to be held across the state over 3 weeks.
Panaji, November 2025: Goa boasts of rich and vibrant heritage — cultural, ecological and historical unique to its land, carrying with it the traces of the myriad influences. To help preserve and popularise this very distinctive heritage, the not for profit organisation Heritage First Goa (HFG) founded by prominent heritage promoters, Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija and Snigdha Manchanda is set to host the second edition of the Heritage First Festival from November 14 to December 7, 2025.
Held across the length and breadth of the state, the festival is set to feature 41 walks and workshops spread across three weeks that are aimed at educating and spreading awareness about the heritage gems found in Goa. The festival is specifically curated to include significant aspects of heritage, be it a village walk in Saligao with Subodh Kerkar elucidating upon the spirit of village life, a khazan walk at Chorao exploring otters and mangroves biodiversity with Kilian Hughes and Katrina Fernandez, the cave walk to learn about the prehistoric caves in Chicalim with Cyril Fernandes or a night walk in Panaji, to explore the city by night with Pritha Sardessai.
While the walks form a major part of the festival, where participants will explore lesser known facts about the towns and villages in Goa, the workshops scheduled will let them delve further into the art heritage. From learning the nuances of Kaavi art with Darpana Athale, exploring the weave of the Kunbi saree with Mahalaxmi Bhobe, to a poetry walk with Meera Ganpathi across the fields of Parra, to building a sand dune on Miramar’s beach with scientist Dr Antonio Mascarenhas, joined by Gabriella D’Cruz or indulging in food stories with the community kitchen in Chorao hosted by Amreen Sheikh, there is something in there for everyone.
“Goa has so much to offer in terms of heritage and culture, which people are still not aware of beyond their own local boundaries. In this second edition of the festival, we aim to throw a spotlight on these gems and educate the general public as there is yet so much of our heritage which is yet unknown to us, especially the younger generation . We hope that through the walks and workshops people are able to understand, connect and in turn preserve the heritage of the state,” says Heta Pandit of Heritage First Goa.
Individuals and businesses can contribute by adopting a heritage walk through a modest contribution that helps cover its operational costs. This initiative offers a meaningful way to support and preserve Goa’s heritage, making it an ideal opportunity for those who wish to get involved in the cause.
Registration for each event is mandatory. To ensure the events remain engaging, informative, and respectful of public spaces, there are limited slots for each event. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-book their slots in advance. For advance bookings and sponsorships, WhatsApp/call +91 90216 62237. You can also make payment via UPI or book a slot on the official website.
Website: https://heritagefirstgoa.com/
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/heritagefirstgoa
