Goa to host 'feni' festival, says Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar

Panaji: A 'feni' festival will be held soon in the coastal state of Goa to highlight its medicinal value, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said on Thursday.

The popular drink -- synonymous with Goa -- is distilled by using locally grown cashews and coconut. 

"Feni is a heritage spirit, as far as Goa is concerned. We will soon host a feni festival and promote it's medicinal values," Ajgaonkar told reporters on the sidelines of the Grape Escapade 2017, an annual wine, food and lifestyle festival organised in the state capital from April 27-30.

"Feni is not just about drinking alcohol -- people use it as medicine," he said.

The ongoing four-day festival offers culinary delights from across the globe along with Goan music, dance and other entertainment programmes. Its highlights include traditional grapes-stomping, an exclusive wine tasting session and selection of Grape Escapade Queen 2017.