Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has appealed to the Additional District Collector of North Goa, Prashant Parab, seeking immediate intervention to stop “Holi parties” being organised by several nightclubs and river cruises in the State in the backdrop of the upcoming Holi festival.
In a memorandum submitted to the Additional District Collector, HJS stated that certain events, including the “Hyatt Centric Holi Bash”, are promoting activities such as rain dance, pool parties, Bollywood DJ performances and dhol dance, along with the proposed serving of unlimited beer and other alcoholic beverages. The organisation alleged that children above eight years of age are reportedly being allowed to participate in the event, which it claimed could create a misleading image of the sacred Hindu festival of Holi.
The delegation that met the authorities included Goa State Organiser of HJS Satyavijay Naik, Rajshri Gadekar of ‘Ranaragini’, Shubha Sawant, Hemshree Gadekar and Dilip Shetye.
HJS stated that Holi symbolises the destruction of negative tendencies and the spread of virtuous values, and alleged that commercialisation of a festival linked to religious and cultural traditions is inappropriate and may create a wrong impression among the younger generation. Referring to the recent fire incident at a nightclub in Arpora, the organisation also urged authorities to verify whether nightclubs organising such Holi parties possess the necessary safety permissions.
Separately, HJS has filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, Harish Madkaikar, seeking legal action against organisers for allegedly allowing minors to participate in the “Hyatt Centric Holi Bash”, where unlimited beer is proposed to be served. A copy of the complaint has also been submitted to the Director of Women and Child Welfare, Jyoti Desai.
The representation was signed by Dr Manoj Solanki, State Coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
