Bicholim: Art and culture minister Ramesh Tawadkar urged students from schools across Goa to visit Lokotsav, a three-day festival organised by tribals in Canacona in Dec, to experience the state’s rich folk traditions and cultural heritage.He said the festival, organised by Adarsh Yuva Sangh, showcases centuries-old traditions and provides a platform for Goa’s vibrant rural culture. It attracts around two to 2.5 lakh visitors from India and abroad. However, Tawadkar expressed concern that nearly 90% of Goans remain inadequately aware of the festival.“This cultural ethos and sense of safety are Goa’s real wealth,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to showcase the state’s true identity and address misconceptions about its culture, traditions and safety.Tawadkar said students from villages across Goa would be encouraged to visit the festival and familiarise themselves with the state’s cultural legacy. Special transport arrangements will be made to facilitate their travel to and from the venue.Speaking at an interaction with headmasters from Bicholim and Sattari talukas at the Bicholim Municipal Council office, Tawadkar said native Goans were known for their cultural values and did not have a criminal mindset. He claimed that most crimes reported in the state were committed by people from outside Goa.Siddheshwar Naik also urged people to visit Lokotsav at least once.
