MARGAO
The three-day food and cultural festival got underway at the Costa grounds Aquem on Friday evening, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announcing that the festival will become an annual feature in the city every year.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the festival in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister underscored the need to take Goan culture and food at the international level.
Fully supporting the request made by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, the Chief Minister made a promise that the food and cultural festival will be an annual feature in Margao.
He appreciated the organisers for felicitating the four personalities, including two tiatrists, a pastry chef and a caterer on Day one of the festival, the Chief Minister has appealed to the people of Salcete in particular and Goemkars in particular to come and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Costa grounds.
“We believe in vocal for local. We have to take our food and culture to the world stage. The festival gives a platform for the local talent to showcase their culinary skills,” he said.
He added: “We have set a trend in Margao. After the capital city, such food and cultural festivals should also take place in Margao as well.”
In his address, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stressed on the need to show cause local culture, heritage and culinary skills before the visiting tourists, both domestic and international visitors. “I am happy that so many self-help groups have set up stalls at the food and cultural festival. The festival has given them the platform to showcase their culture and food skills,” he said.
In his address, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat thanked both the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister for accepting his proposal to hold the food and cultural festival in Margao. “This festival has been organised within a short span of three days due to various difficulties. But, I am happy over the encourage response from the people of Margao and outside,” Kamat said.
