Festival brings together heritage of Goa, Gujarat, Punjab
Former bureaucrat-turned-politician Elvis Gomes demonstrates Gurguret, a traditional Goan rooster-shaped water dispenser made from clay.
Some of the participants at Europe's 1st ‘Millets Fest’ in Leicester.
THE GOAN NETWORK | LEICESTER
The inaugural ‘Millets Fest’, a unique celebration of heritage, cuisine, and music from Goa, Gujarat, and Punjab, was held at the Shakti Mandir in Leicester on August 9. The event brought together communities, cultures, and flavours in a colourful display of unity.
Goa’s Festakar Marius Fernandes, the festival's curator and driving force behind this event, said the Millets Fest showcased the rich traditions of the three regions, captivating the senses with a blend of aromas, melodious music, and interactive workshops.
“This event aimed to create a platform for cross-cultural exchange and appreciation, while also highlighting the importance of millets in the future of food sustainability,” said Marius.
Attendees were treated to an exclusive workshop led by Usha Shah, a native of Gujarat, who demonstrated the art of crafting delectable hot Bajra chapatis, an age-old speciality. Guests savoured the freshly made chapatis, experiencing the authentic taste of Gujarat.
Adding to the culinary adventure, Gemma Fernandes, born in Leicester but with roots tracing back to Divar Island, delighted taste buds with her rendition of Tizann, a Goan delicacy made from Ragi (Nachne). This fusion of heritage and innovation showcased the evolution of traditional recipes.
The event was graced by the presence of Steve White MBE, the event coordinator, who warmly welcomed attendees.
A highlight of the festival was the presence of former bureaucrat-turned-politician Elvis Gomes, who journeyed all the way from Goa to share insights into Goan heritage.
Gomes spoke about the Ghumot, a cherished Goan musical instrument, and the Gurguret, a traditional Goan rooster-shaped water dispenser made from clay. He also highlighted the vibrant Goan community in the UK.
When contacted, Gomes said it was a thrilling experience to be in the company of the Indian diaspora.
“People from Gujarat, Punjab and of course, Goa, were in attendance to understand the importance of Millets, better understood as ‘nachne’ in Goa. The declaration of millet by the UN as the crop of 2023 raises a new level of awareness about the crop,” said Gomes.
“The event was organised at Shri Shakti Mandir, Leicester, to bring communities together and present their own culture. I am thankful to them for honouring me on the occasion and allowing me to present what is unique in our respective regions.”
“I got an opportunity to interact with influential business families of Goan origin based in Leicester. A personally signed TT racquet by former England TT champion Allan Cooke was also presented to me,” Gomes added.
Marius Fernandes expressed joy at the success of the ‘Goa, Daman, and Diu Fest’ in Leicester the previous week.
Emphasising the central theme of the Millets Fest, Marius said: “The Millets Fest is aimed to position millets as the food of the future. Fernandes further announced plans to extend the reach of this culinary movement, by sending millets to Uganda with the assistance of Dhiru Shah.”
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their support and participation, Marius hoped the people-centred festival would continue to thrive, fostering cultural exchange, culinary exploration, and shared experiences in the years to come.
