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At Goa's Cashew Fest, stomp out the juice, slow roast the nut

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Juicy, yellow cashew fruits — a seasonal fruit cherished by all — have long been synonymous with Goan summers. And in Goa, where celebrations are a way of life, it’s no surprise that there’s a festival dedicated entirely to these beloved cashews.

What began as a humble initiative, the Cashew Fest, is now in its third edition, and promises to be bigger, better and unforgettable. From soulful sundowner sets and a stunning fashion show to 50+ food and beverage stalls offering cashew-inspired delights, the festival has something for everyone.

It’s taking place across three days from April 25 to 27, so make sure you block these dates for a unique summer celebration.

Since it’s called the Cashew Fest, it’s only fitting to spotlight everyone truly connected to the story. The festival invites local vendors, artisans and entrepreneurs who work directly with the cashew fruit — whether through food, beverages, wellness products, crafts, or any innovative use of the nut or apple — to come together to collaborate, grow and celebrate.

One exciting aspect of the Cashew Fest is the incredible variety of cashew-based products on display. From the classic roasted and spiced cashew nuts to gourmet cashew butter, flavoured cashew nuts, cashew centric cuisine, urrak and feni-based cocktails, and much more.

image KICK OFF THE CELEBRATIONS: Cashew Fest will take place at the Dayanand Bandodkar Ground, in Panjim.

This year, visitors can once again sample local favourites like cashew-based sweets, baked goods and unique culinary fusions created by home chefs and food innovators. Not forgetting the star of the show, feni, along with its refreshing cousin, neero, both made from the cashew apple and distilled using time-honoured methods, which will also flow.

From insightful technical sessions to high-energy sets by local DJs, musicians, and bands, there’s a lot lined up for a spectacular third edition.

Attendees will get a hands-on experience with live demos of cashew processing, including the cashew nut extractor machine and the traditional methods of roasting cashew nuts.

image SHINING STAR: Discover a wide range of cashew products at the fest.

The highlight this year is the Cashew Experience Zone where visitors can witness the age-old art of feni distillation, take part in cashew stomping — an interactive and fun part of the feni-making process and truly connect with Goa’s agricultural heritage.

Promising a show-stopping moment, the festival will also feature a stunning fashion show, curated by Goan designer Philu Martins, where tradition meets contemporary Goan flair on the runway.

There’ll also be electrifying performances across the three days by renowned artistes, including Aastha Gill, Meet Bros and Neeti Mohan, along with some of Goa’s favourite performers — DJ James, DJ Blink, DJ Curly M, Roz Angon, Rabin and Allisonn, Atharwave, 24K India, True Blue, Double R who’ll bring the perfect mix of energy and local flavour to the stage.

image RAISE YOUR GLASS: Experience the spirit of Goa — one 'urrak' and 'feni' cocktail at a time.

After two fantastic seasons, the Cashew Fest has become a proud celebration of local culture, traditions and livelihoods. For anyone visiting Goa, the fest offers a refreshing discovery that goes beyond the usual, a deeper connection to Goa’s rich rural and cultural fabric.

So, come taste, explore, dance, learn, and most importantly, connect with the stories behind the cashew, the spirit of the Goan people, and the land where these yellow fruits grow.

DETAILS

WHAT: Goa Cashew Fest 2025

WHERE: DB Grounds, Campal, Panjim

WHEN: April 25 to 27

TIMINGS: 4.30 pm onwards

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