Are electronic dance music festivals doomed? The Goa police has taken a firm stand that both the festivals “ Supersonic and Sunburn, should not be organised around the same time. The reason: simultaneous events put immense pressure on the police. Secondly, both festivals, one in Candolim and the other in Vagator, cause traffic congestion as vehicle owners use the same route to get to the venues. The police have also insisted that one event be organised in the North and the other in the South.
Traditionally, these two festivals, which bring on stage world renowned DJs, who provide scintillating music for those who love repetitive rhythms, are organised towards the end of the year during the Christmas season. This is a time when tourist footfalls are at their peak and many believe that the organisers of the festivals are merely cashing in on the peak season instead of the other way round. Consequently, good sense prevailed and the government took the decision that the two festivals would not be held in the month of December.
The Inspector General of Police, Sunil Garg informed that a similar stand was taken last year, but the festivals could not be pushed back on account of administrative reasons, whatever that might be. This year the IGP has given organisers enough time to rejig their plans. For the record, Sunburn has not changed its dates, but has not announced a venue either. The inference one draws is that the organisers are keen on holding the festival in December, but would not hesitate to shift the venue, if the Goa government does not bend. Supersonic is yet to announce dates and is probably keeping its options open.
The stand taken by the police is a sane one. Goa is on the terrorist hit list and though it has not experienced an incident, the police and the government cannot afford to relax their guard. All precautions have to be taken and if holding two EDMs simultaneously poses a risk then a decision to separate the two must be taken. Traffic congestion has always been an issue in the over-crowded Candolim area. Last year EDM enthusiasts had to walk over a km to get to the venue because parking space was hard to find. Better venues need to be found so that those interested in these festivals can let their hair down.
Lastly, the government has to guard against event organisers using Brand Goa to further their business interests. EDM music has a dedicated audience and the State has to look at how it can use the brand to draw tourists during the non-peak season. In other words, the interests of the organisers and the State must coalesce so that a win-win situation emerges.
