For the first time in months, the markets were full days before Diwali, people were out to appreciate the work of local youth at Narkasur competitions as there were no restrictions for COVID.
While people enjoyed and shopkeepers did good business, the fear now remains of whether the COVID19 cases would rise again.
After Durga pooja and Eid, there are reports of a rise in cases in West Bengal, Andhra, etc. Hopefully, Goa does not follow the trend.
This Diwali was special for Goans as Assembly elections were fast approaching, and it is being said that the politicians tried their best to lure the voters with donations for Narkasurs.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
After a long, it was heartening to see people back in the celebration mood this Diwali as the last-minute shoppers thronged the markets throughout Goa – a missing sight since the COVID19 pandemic started in March 2020.
For the last 18 months or so, the celebrations of all festivals, be it Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali or Christmas, were subdued due to COVID19 SOPs in place.
This year though, Ganesh Chaturthi was also celebrated throughout but was under a cloud of SOPs and restrictions with no Sarvajnik Ganeshutsav’s beyond one and half days.
But this Diwali was different for the people as well as the businesses.
For the first time in months, the markets were full days before Diwali, people were out to appreciate the work of local youth at Narkasur competitions as there were no restrictions for COVID.
While people enjoyed and shopkeepers did good business, the fear now remains of whether the COVID19 cases would rise again.
After Durga pooja and Eid, there are reports of a rise in cases in West Bengal, Andhra, etc. Hopefully, Goa does not follow the trend.
This Diwali was special for Goans as Assembly elections were fast approaching, and it is being said that the politicians tried their best to lure the voters with donations for Narkasurs.
It is being said that the Narkasurs in Taleigao, St Cruz, Siolim and Calangute were the costliest, and the politicians splurged money in lakhs.
As per information, the smallest of narkasurs was given Rs 50,000 while the biggest was around Rs 2.5 lakhs.
The ticket aspirant candidate started campaigning furiously in Goa during Diwali, trying to impress the youth groups.
Not just Narkasur expenditure but politicians posters were seen hung on electricity poles across Goa.
But shockingly, these expenses are not considered by the Election Commission and hence cannot be penalised. Because all of these took place before the election was announced and the Model Code of Conduct came into being.
What can stop a politician from wishing his people on a festival, after all? Yes, it didn’t happen every year or during every festival, but only in the election year, just before elections, but that’s not illegal at all!.
Mind you, many of these politicians or aspirants did not even ask about the well-being of the people during COVID19 pandemic and are now with loads of cash – only for votes.
Agreed it is a clear cut method of bribing the youth Pan-Goa, it has become a trend for political parties to patronise narkasurs and lure voters. But who is to be blamed? We, ourselves?
Nonetheless, while the youth groups made moolah, it was great to see the people of Goa in a celebrations mood yet again. Moreover, it has given a kick-start to the economy. The economy has taken a beating in the last two years.
Restrictions on businesses have been eased, and encouraging signs of economic life are emerging even as concerns persist about renewed outbreaks.
