Goa, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, is all set to add another feather to its cap with the upcoming Cashew festival. The First Cashew Festival of Goa 2023 will be hosted by the Goa Forest Development Corporation from April 15 to April 16 at Campal to showcase products of various Self Help Groups and other stakeholders in collaboration with the forest department. Goa govt has floated Rs 41,57,000 worth of tender for the erection of a temporary stall, stage platform, pandal, gallery etc for organizing the cashew festival.
In view of the same, a curtain raiser of the event was held on Friday, March 17, 2023. During the event, the logo of the event, and a website dedicated to the Goa Forest Department Corporation were released along with a video on the cashew heritage of Goa.
In view of the same, a curtain raiser of the event was held on Friday, March 17, 2023. During the event, the logo of the event, and a website dedicated to the Goa Forest Department Corporation were released along with a video on the cashew heritage of Goa.
Need of this Cashew Festival?
The festival is set to showcase the state’s cashew culture, including its traditional methods of cashew processing, cashew-based products, and a variety of cashew-based dishes. The event promises to be a treat for all food enthusiasts, cashew lovers, and those looking to experience the unique culture of Goa. With a lineup of exciting events and activities, the cashew festival is sure to be a major attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Chief Conservator, Rajiv Kumar Gupta, spoke about the scenario of cashew farming in Goa, and said that in the state, land has been given towards cashew cultivation; however, there is a need to increase production, and the corporation was working towards it.
Minister for Environment, Vishwajit Rane, who was also present on the occasion, said that he would like to extend his full support to make the event a grand success.
The fest will be an annual event and will include a lot of fun activities for visitors, like cashew apple stomping. The idea is to put the fest on the annual tourist calendar, said the chairperson of Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), Deviya Rane.
“The cashew fest is a one-of-its-kind state festival and will supplement our collective efforts to make Goa Atma Nirbhar and Swayampurna in cashew production. It will also help the capacity-building of marginal farmers, self-help groups, rural women, and cashew growers. There are 60,000 women employed in cashew plantations being operated by GFDC itself,” said Deviya.
She also said that at the festival, Hansel Vaz will showcase the traditional method of making feni. Also, fashion designer Verma D’Mello will have a slot at the festival to showcase the Goan kunbi fabric.
Byproducts made from cashews will also be promoted and sold at the event.
Wrapping up
The upcoming Cashew festival in Goa is set to be a unique and exciting event that celebrates the state’s rich cashew culture. With a variety of cashew-based products, dishes, and traditional methods of processing on display, the festival promises to offer visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of cashew farming in Goa. Not only will the festival provide an opportunity for locals to showcase their heritage, but it is also expected to draw in tourists from all over the world, further boosting the state’s already thriving tourism industry. The Cashew festival is an event that promises to be both fun and educational, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of Goa’s cultural landscape.
