The Village
The Village was part of our larger Culinary Arts curation at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. Read more about it here.
The Village at the Art Park along the promenade in Panjim created an immersive experience to celebrate the rich tapestry of Goan culture, traditions, and culinary heritage. A collaboration between The Locavore, Goa Livelihoods Forum (GLF), and the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), it served as a vibrant hub where festival-goers engaged directly with various Goan communities of skilled artisans, food vendors and local cooks, gaining insights into their unique traditions and crafts.
The Community Kitchen
The centrepiece of The Village was The Community Kitchen, a unique initiative designed to bring the diverse cuisines of Goa’s various communities to the forefront. With cooks from distinct regions and communities, it offered a daily rotating menu, ensuring a fresh, local experience every time.
Dishes from various communities inhabiting Goa were showcased—the Goan Catholic community’s Cafreal Paav, Ros Omelette, and the sweet Alle belle; the Muslim community’s aromatic biryanis and kebabs; the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins’ Khatkhate and Ambadyache Lonche; the Velip tribe’s Farre and Talkhilo Bhaji; and the Karade Brahmins’ Karmat, Mugachyo Gathi, and Varan, among others.
The Mandi
A vibrant space meticulously designed to echo the essence of a traditional Goan marketplace, The Mandi served as a platform for local farmers, vendors, and members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Goa Livelihoods Forum (GLF) to come together, showcasing the true spirit of Goan culture and heritage.
From fresh produce to intricate handicrafts, the many stalls stood as a testament to Goa’s vibrantly diverse communities. The setting aimed to transport visitors to the bustling lanes of a Goan bazaar, complete with the sights, sounds, and aromas that define it.
