Mudassachem Fest: Celebrating Goa's Culture of Millets, Mangoes & Music at Goa College of Agriculture on May 14

Principal Suresh Kunkaikar expressed his excitement over the festival, highlighting the opportunity for the new generation to appreciate the nutritional and ecological value of millets and mangoes in our diets.

Millets, once a staple diet in traditional Indian cooking, are making a slow but steady comeback in India and across the globe. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the international year of this crop, and India, along with the government of Goa, is supporting this initiative.

The festival will focus on the revival of millet-based foods and celebrate the culture, knowledge, economic empowerment of communities and recipes surrounding millets. Moreover, the festival will celebrate the mangoes of Goa, which are known for their unique taste and flavor.

The festival will commence at 11 am with a mango orchard walk, providing attendees with an opportunity to witness the beauty of the region's mango orchards. Following the walk, the festival-goers will be led to the Goan food stalls, where they can indulge in the delicious cuisine prepared using millets and mangoes. Moreover, grafting workshops will be conducted to educate the attendees on the best farming practices.

The cultural programs during the festival will showcase the unique Konkani culture, with performances using traditional instruments such as the Ghumot (Earthen instrument), kottieos (coconut shells), and guitars.

The Mudassachem fest aims to promote the importance of millets in our diets and empower local communities involved in their cultivation. It provides an excellent opportunity for the younger generation to appreciate and learn about the agricultural practices that have been prevalent in the region for centuries.

Furthermore, the festival is an excellent platform for farmers and agriculturalists to showcase their skills and connect with other experts in the field.

With the festival focusing on millets and mangoes, it is an excellent chance to learn more about these crops, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into our diets.