When a street becomes a celebration: Porvorim comes alive at the 7th NoMoZo
~A people-first celebration transforming streets into spaces for fitness, culture, creativity and community
On January 11, 2026, a familiar stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg in Porvorim will once again shed its everyday rhythm and transform into something far more meaningful, a living, breathing community space. As Porvorim Rising hosts the seventh edition of ‘NoMoZo’ (No Motor Zone), the road will belong not to vehicles, but to people, conversations, creativity and collective celebration.
Over the years, NoMoZo has grown into one of Porvorim’s most anticipated annual events. Fitness enthusiasts, families, senior citizens, children, artists, food entrepreneurs, homegrown brands and first-time vendors all find a place here, each adding a unique layer to the festival’s evolving identity. The event continues to reflect a strong commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and community ownership, making it a space where everyone feels welcome.
At its core, NoMoZo is a hyper-local celebration which draws its strength from the neighbourhood itself. Many of the vendors and participants are residents of Porvorim, making the event feel like a collective effort.
For artists like Vaibhav Salgaonkar, popularly known through his brand Art By Bu, NoMoZo represents far more than a marketplace. A freelance illustrator, caricaturist, visual artist and urban sketcher based in Porvorim, Vaibhav has been part of NoMoZo for the last three years. His work, which documents everyday Goan life through sketches, caricatures and illustrated products, resonates deeply with the event’s ethos.
“I had been hearing about NoMoZo for a long time,” he shares, “but when I finally participated, I realised how rare such platforms are. It champions hyper-local talent and creates a sense of familiarity and local pride. It feels less like a market and more like a celebration of homegrown creativity.”
Vaibhav credits NoMoZo with helping him connect directly with audiences who value local art. “People who discovered my work here have continued to support it long after the event. That kind of organic, word-of-mouth growth is invaluable,” he says, adding that his expectations from this year’s edition centre around meaningful interactions rather than numbers alone.
He adds, “Events like NoMoZo provide visibility, validation, and a sense of belonging to small businesses. They create a platform where local creators are taken seriously and given equal footing, which is crucial for sustaining independent work. The 7th edition feels special because it reflects how far the event has come. I’m expecting a well-curated, vibrant space that continues to strengthen Porvorim’s creative ecosystem while giving visitors an authentic local experience.”
Some businesses, meanwhile, have grown alongside NoMoZo since its earliest days. Kiraan Thakur, founder of Nnazaquat, marks three decades in business this year and has been associated with NoMoZo since its very first edition.
“The concept of a no motor zone was appealing from the start,” Kiraan recalls. “It was happening in Porvorim, which is also our workplace, so being part of it felt natural.” Over the years, the event has helped the brand connect with local residents and build strong community ties. “We met so many people from Porvorim who later became regular customers. That connection helped us grow steadily.”
Kiraan also highlights the thoughtful organisation behind NoMoZo. Reasonable stall rentals, transparent processes and strong publicity have ensured that small businesses feel supported. As the seventh edition approaches, expectations remain optimistic of good footfall, positive engagement and yet another successful day for the community.
For home-based food entrepreneurs, NoMoZo offers a rare opportunity to step out, be seen and be heard. Sandesh Amonkar of Varsha Catering, a resident of Porvorim, specialising in authentic homemade fare from masala chicken and chicken xacuti to Ross omelettes and spiced sweet corn. Sandesh says, “At the event, we meet people from different backgrounds. Porvorikars visit our stall, taste our food, give feedback, and it gives us the opportunity to expand our business. Even though we operate on a limited scale, we get more contacts through these interactions. I really feel blessed to be part of this venture.”
“Once all our products are sold out, I myself become part of the celebration dancing, enjoying, and mingling with other vendors. The arrangements are always perfect, with all facilities in place, and the atmosphere is joyful,” he adds. Sandesh also expresses deep appreciation for the support from local leadership: “I truly value the encouragement from our MLA, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. His innovative approach and personal connection with the community make a big difference. He remembers everyone he meets, and that is his special quality.”
“Being part of this year’s NoMoZo is always a matter of pride for us as Porvorikars. It gives a name to our outlet and makes us feel recognised as locals. All the programmes are informative and fascinating, and we look forward to another successful edition,” he concludes.
Organic and sustainable businesses have also found a strong footing at NoMoZo. Siddesh Valvaikar, founder of Koshaa Organic Store in Porvorim, has been participating since 2023. His store focuses on organic, natural and eco-friendly products sourced directly from farmers and small enterprises.
“What drew me initially was the vibe,” Siddesh says. “NoMoZo feels like a celebration rather than an event.” Over the last three editions, he has seen a noticeable increase in local visibility and engagement. “It helps us reach the right audience who are curious, conscious and open to conversations.”
This year, Siddesh is looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. “It’s about sharing what we do, exchanging ideas, and being part of a larger, conscious ecosystem,” he notes, adding that platforms like NoMoZo play a crucial role in reaching the right audience and building trust for small, local brands.
As NoMoZo enters its seventh edition, its significance lies not just in numbers or scale, but in continuity. It has shown how public spaces can be reclaimed for people, how local economies can be strengthened through community-led initiatives, and how simple ideas like closing a road to traffic can open doors to deeper social connections.
In a rapidly developing Porvorim, NoMoZo serves as a reminder that progress is not only about infrastructure, but also about preserving spaces for interaction, expression and shared experiences. On January 11, when the street once again fills with laughter, music, conversations and creativity, NoMoZo will stand as a testament to what happens when a community comes together not in haste, but in harmony.
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