Panaji, Nov 30 (UNI) Goa will host International Lusophone Festival from December 3 to 6, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The festival, being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Government of Goa, seeks to further India’s connect with the Lusophone world.

"Goa has had historically linkages with the Lusophone world, which has been nurtured through the presence of Portuguese cultural institutions like the Orient Foundation and the Camoes Institute which promote Portuguese language and culture in India. This has deepened our economic, cultural co-operation and people-to-people ties with the CPLP member countries," the statement said.

The International Lusophone Festival will be inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture Meekakshi Lekhi would be the Guest of Honour.

The festival will include performances by visiting cultural troupes from the CPLP countries (approximately 70 artists) at several venues in Goa namely ESG complex, Azad Maidan, Sanskruti bhavan, Institute Menezes Braganza among others.

As part of the festival, workshops on Lusophone music for artists and volunteers, various workshops cum exhibition of photocopies of historical records, unique Goan architecture, Goan handicrafts and Goan furniture will be organised.

In addition, the Lusophone Food and Spirits Festival will also showcase the culinary links between India and the Lusophone world.

Round Table discussions themed on "India’s Outreach to the Global South – Exploring Convergence with CPLP" and "India-Lusophone Historical and Cultural Linkages: Retrospect and Prospects” will explore not only India’s existing and historical Lusophone connect, but also deliberate on the way forward for future engagement, the statement said.
UNI AKM BAV