Heritage Festival's 3rd edition takes off in Panaji

The third Heritage Festival started on Saturday with great fanfare in Panaji's Latin quarters, Fountainhas. The Heritage Festival has affiliation with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

This unique festival is also known as the Fountainhas Festival of Arts. During the festival private houses turn into art galleries for eight days every year.

Says Heta Pandit of Goa Heritage Action Group: "Heritage houses showcase artists from all over Goa and the rest of the country in a festival of arts. Art works are displayed in heritage homes in balconies, verandahs, salas and dining rooms. Part of the proceeds goes towards the preservation of Goa's priceless heritage homes."

Fountainhas is all about the heritage structures. Sculpture, painting, photography and the performing arts find a place in this locality. Altogether, 16 houses have been selected to be used as galleries.

Besides, the locality's lanes and by-lanes are also being used for exhibitions. There are about 42 artists participating in this event.

"The first Heritage Festival held in 2003 was a huge success, which brought in visitors from across the state and abroad. It also attracted art lovers and, perhaps, for the first time, gave everyone a chance to interact with heritage homeowners in Goa," says historian Prajal Sakhardande.

For Goa's own voice, Remo Fernandes, such a festival is very important. "This festival is a unique concept that brings art, heritage and music together. Visitors get a chance not just to appreciate works of art in this unique settings, but also a chance to visit heritage homes and interact with the Goan families in their own environment," he says.