As a resident of Goa, the arrival of December always signals a special time, but this year the city of Panaji was transformed into a vibrant cultural hub for the ninth edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, held from December 15th to 22nd, 2024. This expansive festival, spanning over 200 events across 22 venues, offered a rich tapestry of art, music, dance, theatre, culinary arts, and more. I attended the festival from the very first day, soaking in the atmosphere, engaging deeply with the events, and reflecting on the profound impact of this celebration of South Asian creativity.
Registration and Arrival: Welcomed into a World of Serendipity Art Festival
Serendipity Arts Festival began with a warm and efficient registration process. As a local, I appreciated the thoughtful accessibility measures in place—ramps, braille guides, and Accessibility Ambassadors were visible and attentive, ensuring everyone felt welcome. The volunteers’ enthusiasm was infectious, setting the tone for the days ahead. Armed with the festival map and schedule, I was eager to dive into the diverse offerings.
Day 1: Serendipity Arts Festival Opening Ceremony and Visual Arts Immersion
The festival opened at the Old GMC Complex with a vibrant ceremony celebrating the convergence of artists and audiences. The day featured exhibitions like A Haptic Score and Multiplay, curated by Veerangana Solanki and Thukral & Tagra, showcasing interactive and sensory art experiences.
Exploring these installations was a revelation. I was drawn into artworks that invited touch and sound, challenging traditional ways of experiencing art. Conversations with the curators enriched my understanding of how art can transcend visual boundaries and engage multiple senses. This day reminded me of the power of innovation in making art accessible and inclusive.
Day 2: Culinary Arts and Children’s Creativity
The second day was a feast for the senses with culinary workshops such as Come Eat With Me and Achaar Exchange curated by Edible Issues, alongside children’s workshops in art and storytelling at the Art Park.
I participated in a workshop focused on Goan pickles and sustainable cooking, learning about preserving local flavors with modern twists. Watching children immerse themselves in creative activities was heartwarming and inspiring. The energy of young imaginations at work underscored the festival’s commitment to nurturing future generations of artists and food lovers alike.
Day 3: Dance and Literary Conversations
Dance performances curated by Geeta Chandran and Jayachandran Palazhy took center stage, including Sutra and Aqeedat, Love’s Union in the Divine. Literary talks and poetry readings complemented the day’s offerings.
Sharmila Biswas’s Sutra was a highlight, blending classical Odissi with contemporary storytelling. The fluidity and emotion in the performance left me deeply moved. Later, I attended a literary session exploring Goan identity, which sparked lively discussions about culture and history. The interweaving of dance and literature broadened my appreciation for how different art forms dialogue with each other.
Day 4: Theatre and Performance Art
The day featured experimental theatre productions like Glitch in the Myth and Mattiah 22:39, curated by Quasar Thakore Padamsee and Sankar Venkateswaran, alongside performance art projects.
I was captivated by the innovative storytelling and immersive nature of the theatre pieces. The performances challenged conventional narratives and invited the audience to reflect on contemporary social issues. Engaging with artists after shows deepened my insight into the creative risks and collaborations that fuel such work.
Day 5: Craft and Sustainability
Craft exhibitions such as Abundance in Scarcity: Exploring Ladakh's Sustainable Ingenuity and Past Forward: Remix and Collaborations in Glass and Ceramics took place, curated by Sandeep Sangaru and Kristine Michael.
The craftsmanship on display was extraordinary, highlighting sustainable practices and cultural heritage. I learned about the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in craft and how artisans are adapting to contemporary environmental challenges. This day reinforced the festival’s role in promoting ecological awareness through art.
Day 6: Music and Community Engagement
Music curated by Zubin Balaporia and Bickram Ghosh filled the day with performances like One World, The Three Divas, and Ghazal-e-Qawwali. Public art projects and community workshops also energized the Mandovi promenade.
I contributed to a community mural, feeling the joy of collective creativity. The musical performances were soul-stirring—The Three Divas showcased powerful female voices blending classical and contemporary styles. These moments of shared expression deepened my connection to Goa’s vibrant artistic community.
Day 7: Salim-Sulaiman and River Raag
The evening featured the highly anticipated concert by Salim-Sulaiman, alongside the River Raag sunset cruise, where classical musicians performed on the Mandovi River.
The day was a balance of serene beauty and electrifying energy. The River Raag cruise was a magical experience—floating on the river while enveloped by live classical music heightened my appreciation for Goa’s natural and cultural richness. Later, Salim-Sulaiman’s concert ignited the crowd with their fusion of Bollywood melodies and electronic beats. Dancing alongside fellow festival-goers, I felt the unifying power of music in full force.
Day 8: Grand Finale Serendipity Arts Festival with Usha Uthup, Aruna Sairam, Shobha Mudgal & Bickram Ghosh
The Serendipity Arts Festival concluded with a spectacular musical collaboration featuring iconic vocalists Usha Uthup, Aruna Sairam, and Shobha Mudgal, accompanied by percussionist Bickram Ghosh. Experimental theatre and a heartfelt closing ceremony rounded off the day.
The final concert at Serendipity Arts Festival was a breathtaking synthesis of styles and voices—Usha Uthup’s vibrant energy, Aruna Sairam’s classical mastery, and Shobha Mudgal’s soulful depth blended seamlessly with Bickram Ghosh’s rhythmic brilliance. It was a fitting crescendo to eight days of artistic exploration. The closing ceremony was filled with emotion and gratitude, as artists, volunteers, and audiences celebrated the festival’s success. As a Goan, I felt immense pride in how our city had become a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange.
Final Reflections
Attending the full eight days of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 was a transformative experience. Each day brought fresh insights, new friendships, and moments of serendipity that enriched my understanding of art’s power to connect and inspire. The festival’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary dialogue was evident throughout. Living in Goa, I feel privileged to witness and participate in this extraordinary cultural event that continues to shape the artistic landscape of South Asia.
Written By Minaxi Makadia.
Sources:
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https://www.stirworld.com/reflect-serendipity-arts-festival-2024
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https://serendipityarts.org/open_call/open-call-for-musicians-serendipity-arts-festival-2024/
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https://www.festivalsfromindia.com/festival/serendipity-arts-festival/
Awesome article, felt like I was there enjoying this amazing festival. Well written.
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