Jharkhand knows about Goa's stunning beaches, churches and forts, not to speak of its vindaloo and feni. Now, Goa will get to know about Jharkhand's rugged hills, emerald forests and unique tribal culture through its films and the visual arts, cuisine and craft.

The state government will organise Johar Jharkhand, an art and film festival, in Panaji, Goa, from May 25 to 27, for which a 80-member-strong contingent will go to the coastal state. The three-day festival will be held at Maquinez Palace in Panaji.

Organised as a part of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat scheme of the Union government, Johar Jharkhand will introduce its uniqueness to Goa through films, paintings, photographs and cultural programmes, attire, handicraft and food, said Rahul Sharma, state art, culture and sports secretary.

"The central scheme was introduced to promote different cultures of various parts of India and make people of one state aware about the culture of another state. We have tied up with Goa for this purpose and this festival is a part of a series of such exchange programmes," secretary Sharma said. "Goa will also be invited to conduct a programme similar to Johar Jharkhand. Earlier, a troupe from Goa had participated in our Statehood Day programme last year. A troupe from Jharkhand also participated in a festival in Goa."

State art and culture director Ashok Kumar Singh said they wanted to showcase Jharkhand's amazing diversity.

The state directorate of cultural affairs has selected two feature films Jharkhand Kar Chhaila (2010) and Sajna Anari (1999) in Nagpuri dialect, Singh said.

Acclaimed shorts like Bahurupiya, Edpa Kana and Penalty Corner will also feature on the viewing list. So would documentaries on the state's cultural heritage such Santhal Enaj Sereng on tribal painting forms. These apart, 35 paintings, 15 photographs depicting the state's culture and tourist attractions have been selected for display. While stalls will showcase Jharcraft and khadi products and indigenous cuisine, live cultural programmes will introduce Goans to vibrant tribal dance and music.

"I think Goans will love the festival for its novelty factor," said Anil Sikdar, whose Nagpuri film Kal Chhaila will be screened. Asked about his film, he said it was about ordinary people and their struggles. "But the locale, concerns of the characters and the language they speak in will be new for the Goan audience," he said.