Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Canacona Despite Heavy Showers

Canacona: The Deepotsav 2025 celebrations, organised by the Canacona Cultural Academy, witnessed an overwhelming response and vibrant participation despite persistent rain showers. The event, held on October 24 at Ravindra Bhavan, Canacona, transformed the town into a hub of cultural festivity, colour, and community spirit.

The evening commenced with the garlanding of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the KTC bus stand, Canacona, at 6 p.m. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Shri Laxman Paugi, Zilla Panchayat Member Smt. Shobhana Velip, Deputy Collector Shri Prataprao Naik Gaonkar, Paingin Panchayat Sarpanch Mrs. Savita Tawadkar, Deputy Sarpanch Shri Sunil Painginkar, Cola Sarpanch Mrs. Pradnya Kamat, and CMC Councillors Shri Ramakant Naik Gaonkar and Shri Hemant Naik Gaonkar.

Also present were CPS President Babesh Borkar, CKS President Mrs. Manuja Naik Gaonkar, Canacona Cultural Academy President Shri Janardhan Bhandari, Convenor Shri Pankaj Namahikar, and Shri Shailesh Pagi. Representatives from Lions Club of Canacona, including Vice-President Sanjay Desai and Secretary Anil Faldesai, along with prominent local businessman Somdatta Deshmukh, were among the attendees.

The celebrations opened with a procession featuring the Shiv Jayanti Samaroh Samiti, Dhol Tasha Pathak, Lazium performances by students of Shradhanand Vidyalaya, and a Vitthal Rakhumai Dindi Pathak from Saleri.

Later in the evening, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, MLA of Canacona and Minister for Art and Culture, graced the event. He interacted with participants and appreciated the various competitions, including Sweet Dish, Pantee Sajawat, and Aakash Kandil, as well as folk dance performances that showcased Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

Competition Results

Fancy Dress (Under 8):
1st – Arya Velip
2nd – Advika Painginkar
3rd – Adhira Gaonkar

Fancy Dress (Under 15):
1st – Avnish Nayak
2nd – Hrishikesh Velip
3rd – Dhruvi Talpankar

Kite Flying:
1st – Jai Pagi
2nd – Yash Haldankar
3rd – Yash Naik

Aakash Kandil:
1st – Saisha Pagi
2nd – Payak Padkar
3rd – Kaushal Pagi

Sweet Dish:
1st – Pratima Pai Khot
2nd – Anushka Shirodkar
3rd – Rupali Naik Gaonkar

Pantee Sajawat:
1st – Kulshree Mhalshi
2nd – Ashvit Painginkar
3rd – Rasmika Pagi

Reel Making:
1st – Jayant Velip
2nd – Shivam Parit
3rd – Rohan Komarpant

Following the competitions, audiences were treated to captivating performances by Kala Mogi Khotigao and Shaswat Poinginim, who presented Diwali and Musal dances. The celebrations concluded with a vibrant Garba performance by the Bhumipurush Dance Group from Palolem, which enthralled over 2,500 spectators.

Prizes were distributed by guests and dignitaries, including Shri Laxman Pagi, Shri Sunil Painginkar, Shri Hemant Naik Gaonkar, Mrs. Manuja Naik Gaonkar, and others.

The Deepotsav 2025 event was sponsored by the Department of Art and Culture and the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and organised by the Canacona Cultural Academy with the support of various local organisations.