Early protests give way to improved turnout at Spirit of Goa fest after low-key start
The sparse turnout at the Spirit of Goa festival as it got underway at Colva on Friday.
MARGAO
The three-day Spirit of Goa Festival commenced on Friday at the Colva Tourist Village, but the celebrations began on a subdued note amid strong reservations expressed by sections of local residents.
The festival unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing protests across Goa demanding the arrest of Gautam Khattar for his alleged derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier. The controversy cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant cultural event, leading to visible dissent just hours before its inauguration. However, attributed to reports on the detention of Gautam Khattar in Himachal Pradesh, crowds started pouring in at the festival venue later in the evening.
Earlier in the evening, a group of local citizens gathered at the entrance to the venue to voice their opposition to hosting the festival under the current circumstances. The group included activist Simao Rodrigues, Mycia Rodrigues, Herald Fernandes, traditional fishermen community leader Thomas Rodrigues, and youth leader Warren Alemao.
The protesters questioned the timing of the event and urged Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas to take a clear stand on the issue, especially since the festival is supported by the state’s Tourism Department.
Warren Alemao highlighted the dilemma faced by locals participating in the festival. “People across Goa are on the streets demanding Khattar’s arrest, yet this festival is going ahead with local participation. We are not against the festival itself, but the government should either postpone it or compensate local vendors who have invested in setting up stalls,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Simao Rodrigues clarified that the opposition was not directed at the festival per se, but at the government’s perceived inaction. “The Christian community should not be taken lightly. The authorities must act swiftly and arrest the accused,” he stated.
He added: “People do not want to dance when they are literally mourning over the derogatory remarks made against St Francis Xavier. This is not a private festival but a festival organised by the government.”
Mycia Rodrigues also called for postponement, insisting that the festival should only proceed after justice is delivered. “The government must prioritise the sentiments of the people before going ahead with celebrations,” she said.
Thomas Rodrigues added that while the people of Colva are not against cultural events, the timing raises moral concerns. “When people are agitating for justice, it is not appropriate to celebrate. Participation should be a matter of conscience, especially if sentiments have been hurt,” he remarked.
Despite the protests, the festival began as scheduled later in the evening, albeit without its usual enthusiasm. The atmosphere remained relatively muted, and notably, no prominent dignitaries or VIPs were present at the opening.
However, as the event got underway, reports emerged that Gautam Khattar had been detained in Himachal Pradesh, a development that saw people pouring in at the festival venue.
---
Leaders conspicuous by absence amid initial lukewarm response
MARGAO: The arrest of accused Gautam Khattar literally changed the atmosphere at the Spirit of Goa festival that began at Colva on Friday, with crowds thronging the venue late in the evening.
While Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte could not attend the inaugural ceremony as he is presently out of station, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, along with the Tourism Director, in the presence of Colva Sarpanch Tereza Fernandes, ZP member Antonio Mam Fernandes and other dignitaries, were conspicuous by their presence.
In his brief address, the Benaulim MLA said the Spirit of Goa festival showcases the identity of Goa and provides a platform for local vendors to display their talent. He agreed that a situation arose as to whether the festival should take place today or not in view of the extraordinary situation arising over the derogatory remarks directed at St Francis Xavier. “Fortunately, the accused has been detained in Himachal Pradesh. The Goa police is in the process of bringing the accused to Goa,” he said, adding that the arrest has brought relief to the people of Goa.
Venzy, however, said the people of Goa will continue to demand that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant drop Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho from the Cabinet. “People of Goa are relieved that accused Khattar has been arrested in Himachal Pradesh. But the Chief Minister should meet the second demand of the people that the CM drop Mauvin from the Cabinet,” he added.
