Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The festive mood of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa has been dampened as heavy downpours lashed the state for the third consecutive day, causing widespread disruption to celebrations and routine life.
Several parts of Margao, Salcete and other low-lying belts were inundated, restricting people indoors and leading to sparse crowds in usually bustling festival markets. Traders reported a sharp dip in business, with some saying their earnings had dropped to nearly half of what they expected.
The persistent rain also left roads battered, worsening potholes and flooding key routes, making commuting hazardous. Residents complained of long delays and even avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.
Cultural programmes, traditional processions and public gatherings that mark Ganesh festivities had to be curtailed or called off due to safety concerns. In Cuncolim, locals expressed disappointment after a much-anticipated musical parade was cancelled.
Unscheduled power failures in parts of South Goa added to household woes, as families struggled with puja preparations in darkened homes. Despite this, many devotees adapted by scaling down celebrations or holding intimate family rituals indoors. Several communities also turned to online platforms to keep traditions alive.
In Ponda, the heavy showers on the festival’s opening day forced people to remain at home. Marketplaces wore a deserted look, and the popular practice of visiting homes to admire Ganesh decorations and ‘Matoli’ displays saw very few participants. By evening, the skies had turned pitch dark, with swollen nullahs and rivers overflowing in the taluka.
According to rainfall data, Panaji recorded 1.2 inches of rain between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm on Tuesday, while Mopa airport measured 2.3 inches. Other areas witnessed even higher precipitation: Old Goa (3.2″), Sanquelim (3.8″), Valpoi (3.3″), Dharbandora (3.8″), Canacona (4″) and Quepem (5″).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for both districts of Goa on August 28, 29, September 1 and 2, predicting heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Winds are expected to range from 30–40 km/h, with gusts touching 50 km/h in some places.
