The second edition of the Heritage First Festival will be held across Goa from November 14 to December 7, 2025. Organised by the not-for-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG), founded by heritage advocates Heta Pandit, Jack Ajit Sukhija, and Snigdha Manchanda, the festival aims to promote awareness and preservation of the state’s diverse cultural, ecological, and historical heritage.
This year’s edition will feature 41 walks and workshops across three weeks, offering participants opportunities to explore Goa’s villages, architecture, natural ecosystems, and artistic traditions. Walks include a village tour of Saligao led by Subodh Kerkar, a khazan walk in Chorao focusing on mangrove biodiversity with Kilian Hughes and Katrina Fernandez, a prehistoric cave walk in Chicalim with Cyril Fernandes, and a night heritage walk through Panaji with Pritha Sardessai.
Workshops and experiential sessions are also part of the festival’s lineup. Highlights include sessions on Kaavi art with Darpana Athale, Kunbi saree weaving with Mahalaxmi Bhobe, a poetry walk across Parra with Meera Ganpathi, a sand dune restoration activity on Miramar beach with Dr Antonio Mascarenhas and Gabriella D’Cruz, and a community kitchen event in Chorao hosted by Amreen Sheikh.
According to Heta Pandit, the festival seeks to deepen public understanding of Goa’s lesser-known heritage and foster appreciation among younger generations. Participants and organisations can support the initiative by adopting a heritage walk through financial contributions that help cover operational costs.
All events require prior registration, with limited slots available to ensure quality engagement and responsible participation. Interested attendees can book in advance via the official website at heritagefirstgoa.com.
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