Against the backdrop of Tourism Minister Manohar Babu Ajgoankar's call that the show must go on, and in stark contrast to expectations that celebrations will be within strict protocols, the float parades at Panaji and Margao drew boisterous crowds that flagrantly violated all Covid rules.
The Tourism Minister's opening remarks at the Panaji float parade amplified the fact that Carnival celebrations were held to woo tourists and boost tourism. But by going soft on SOPs and allowing tourists and locals to have a free run in crowded places, the government has taken unnecessary risks at a time when the virus appears to be receding in Goa.
The Tourism Minister's apprehensions that Goa would lag in tourism if Carnival celebrations were not held in the State is a myth. By the very festive nature of Carnival, desi tourists were bound to descend on the State for merry-making. The Tourism Ministry should have shown some finesse and smartness in taking Carnival to a different level instead of providing a mediocre float parade catering to rowdy and unruly crowds. We should have capitalized on the moment to showcase the State's rich cultural heritage, beaches, touristic places to visit, the cuisine and hospitality -- all of these and more when the world was watching.
It's an open secret that desi tourists crowd Goa because it is an affordable party destination. No tourists will spend money to watch such parades if there is no "wow" factor. If we have to cash in on Carnival festival, it has to be a celebration with a difference, not a listless revelry of chaos, especially in uncertain Covid time when there is fear in the minds of the people of Goa.
The government has encashed on certain calendar dates, specifically the New Year's celebrations and now Carnival overlooking the Covid scare and the safety of the people of Goa. When it comes to tourism, the government has turned a blind eye to all violations of protocols by tourists. Days ahead of Carnival rollout, Ajgaonkar had assured of social distancing saying there is adequate space. He had said the wearing of face masks would be compulsory. What turned out was a blatant mockery of protocol when people crowded along the float parade with no face masks in place and policemen watching like helpless spectators. Carnival is all about revelry and merriment, and it was a forgone conclusion that government machinery would fail miserably to contain crowds. By promising a secure environment, Ajgaonkar has only deceived panic-stricken locals.
Carnival celebrations have been cancelled in prominent locations across the world, including the famed Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Rio revellers mourned the cancellation, a first in 109 years of tradition and there is a colossal loss of revenue to States which are already reeling under the pandemic. But against all odds, nations have chosen the safety of their citizens first.
The State government has prioritized tourism-related events and lowered its guard to accommodate tourists. The Tourism Minister must be held solely responsible should another wave of Covid strike the people of Goa.
