Echoes Of Earth Festival Debuts In Goa

EE News Desk Jan 09, 2024

Echoes of Earth is set to debut in Goa on 2, 3 and 4 February 2024.

In continuation with the theme ‘Ensemble of the Wild’, the festival aims to raise awareness and celebrate the thriving ecosystems within the region, extending the conversation about Goa beyond its beaches and highlighting its wildlife through music and art.

In Goa, the festival will partner with local eco-warriors, grassroots level organisations and individuals aiming to preserve the biodiversity of Goa in addition to the Government of Goa to power the cause.

Roshan Netalkar, Founder & the Festival Director of Echoes of Earth, expressed his vision for the festival stating, “Having grown up in the western ghats, I've observed the spotlight often bypasses the rich biodiversity of the region. Echoes of Earth's arrival in Goa aims to redirect attention to these lesser-known ecological wonders. Music and Art hold immense potential to spread a larger message through communities – in Goa with the support of credible partners like the Goa Tourism Board, we are confident of creating impact. towards environmental awareness, fostering responsible tourism, and resource conservation. We believe that, together with our partners, we can make a meaningful difference and inspire positive action for the community and the environment in Goa.”

The festival will host over 40 international and local artists performing on three stages over three days. Echoes will also feature over 20 art installations, educational workshops, cultural folk performances and a flea market featuring sustainable brands.

In an homage to the Western Ghats, the festival will emphasise the interconnectedness of flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems through its theme. Additionally, the festival will collaborate with the Goa Tourism Board, Goa State Biodiversity Board, WWF- India and Felis Films to celebrate and assist the efforts of organisations and individuals preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa said, “We extend a warm welcome to Echoes of Earth as it finds a new home in the landscapes of Goa. Embracing responsible tourism is not just a trend but a necessity, and we applaud initiatives that seamlessly blend music, art and conservation. Such festivals play a pivotal role in transforming into an integral part of the local community. When tourists become stakeholders, they inherently share the responsibility of safeguarding the local well-being. This relationship enhances the economic prosperity of the local community while protecting the integrity of our environment. As we open our doors, let's celebrate conscious living and set the stage for a more responsible era in Goa".

The festival layout for Echoes of Earth is grounded in a circular design, with festival assets crafted from old, discarded and repurposed materials from prior editions. As a no-plastic and no-flex festival, Echoes of Earth will feature hand-painted signage on repurposed cardboard and wood, bamboo structures for festival facilities and art installations made from recycled and upcycled media such as jute, plastic scraps and scrap metal.

Echoes of Earth invites art and music enthusiasts, nature lovers, and the environmentally conscious to join this unique celebration of the Western Ghats and Goa’s rich biodiversity. Experience the magic of eclectic music, art, sustainable practices, and the beauty of nature like never before.

The festival is set to host top-tier artists such as Oden and Fatzo; Glass Beams; Garden City Movement, Balkan Bump, Space Dimension Controller; Tentendo; Alexander Robotnick; Batavia Collective; ECHT!; Millie McKee; Kareem Ali; Shubostar; Ttibalneed; Discostan; Yogev Haruvi; Noisy Pots; Demsky; Dualist Inquiry; Anushka; Rafiki; The Lojal Experience; Dynamite Disco Club FT. Stalvart John and Farhan Rehman; Hamza Rahimtula + Rajasthan Folkstars; Discokid; Boombay Djembe Folas; Roz Angon; Achhra; Merak; The Elbows FT. Shantam, Elvis Lobo, Stefan Kaye and many more.