Editor, Goemkarponn
AERIAL VIEW
However, the businesses in North Goa will definitely rue the fact that Sunburn brought in loads of “high spending” tourists, which otherwise do not come to Goa easily.
Of course, the Sunburn organiser with their entry fees of over Rs 5000 make truckloads of money in the three day event, they also make a few politicians and officials rich in this few days.
So the businesses and the politicians will definitely fell the pinch that Sunburn would not be held anymore.
Others, who will be disappinted with Sunburn closing shop is the drug paddlers.
You may agree or not but the year-end week in December marks the biggest drug sale, especially during Sunburn.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
After 17 years full of controversies, the Sunburn promoters have finally decided to close shop in Goa with its promoter Harinder Singh making a formal announcement on social media platforms.
In an emotional message Harinder wrote “My last Sunburn Goa. Dec 2023. The Journey Ends…. Feels good that I could help make this happen over the years. And a bit sad that I will never again be there.”
Well for Goans, who want to remain Goa and do not want it become another Sin City, this has come as a welcome development.
However, the businesses in North Goa will definitely rue the fact that Sunburn brought in loads of “high spending” tourists, which otherwise do not come to Goa easily.
Of course, the Sunburn organiser with their entry fees of over Rs 5000 make truckloads of money in the three day event, they also make a few politicians and officials rich in this few days.
So the businesses and the politicians will definitely fell the pinch that Sunburn would not be held anymore.
Others, who will be disappinted with Sunburn closing shop is the drug paddlers.
You may agree or not but the year-end week in December marks the biggest drug sale, especially during Sunburn.
We are not blaming Sunburn for drug sale but the fact remains the sale is rampant as due to the huge crowd its impossible for anyone, including police to keep a tab on such activities, isn’t it?
In the past years we have seen several deaths due to drug overdose in Goa and most of them linked to festivals like Sunburn.
Goa Police top brass would also be relieved that Sunburn will not come to Goa, given the measures they have to take ahead and during the festival.
The festival brings with it the traffic congestion, drug overdose cases, drugs paddlers and so also minor fights etc this keeps the police on their toes for the three days.
Few politicians will also get a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to struggle as the voters make a beeline for passes.
Talking about the hard decision of closing the festival down, it could be many from polices’ strict action on sound or getting permissions to “demands of politicians”.
This year the festival was in the eye of the storm and the event grabbed headlines month before it actually started.
From extending the festival by another day till December 31, to the time restrictions till 10 pm, the Sunburn organisers had to face setbacks due to strong stand by the local villagers and panchayat. Besides they had to pay a huge rent of over Rs 3 cr to panchayat before the event started.
Thereafter, it was the restriction on maximum sound for which a stage was shut at 9 pm.
The final nail was when the political party’s filed a case against organisers for insulting Hindu god Lord Shiva.
The controversy unfolded as Congress leader Vijay Bhike lodged a police complaint on Friday against the Sunburn festival organizers following the public display of an image depicting Lord Shiva. The move was perceived as disrespectful and offensive, leading to concerns about the potential hurt to the sentiments of “Sanatan Dharma.”
So overall, Sunburn gave Goa three entertaining years everyday, it also came with a baggage of controversies, which the Goans could do without.
