Goa, Nov. 20 -- Amid the rush of last-minute preparations for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 opening parade, a string of Akash Kandils (sky lanterns) floating softly along the sidewalks of Panjim stood out as a tranquil yet powerful reminder of Goa's enduring cultural soul.
As workers hurried past with cables, paints, chairs, and banners, for setting up the stage for the opening ceremony, the Akash Kandils, lined up by the hundreds on the main Panjim road, bathing the street in colour, marking the ceremonial route of the inaugural parade with warmth and a traditional touch.
These lanterns are part of the annual Akash Kandil (lantern-making) competition organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in collaborat...