From cuisine to concerts, cashew fest showcases Goa’s spirit

The aroma of fresh cashew products lingered in the air as visitors gathered for the fourth edition of the Goa Cashew Fest in Panaji, setting the tone for a celebration of local flavour and culture.

Spread over three days, the festival offered a blend of cashew-based food and beverages, cultural programmes, shopping stalls and live entertainment. Designed to spotlight Goa’s heritage, the event placed emphasis on its traditional produce, music and dance. Singer Jonita Gandhi opened the festival with a set that featured songs such as Zara Zara from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, along with a selection of contemporary Hindi tracks. Singer Benny Dayal also had the audiences swaying to his popular songs spanning Hindi and international music. On the final day, composer duo Sachin–Jigar took the stage, performing some of their well-known compositions and acknowledging the audience for their participation. Bringing together cuisine, music and cultural showcases, the festival underscored the importance of the cashew industry while offering a vibrant platform for Goa’s artistic and culinary traditions.