MAPUSA
Despite the scare of the new Covid strain, it’s party time along the Anjuna coastline as popular shacks and night clubs have lined up rave parties on the eve of Christmas and for the entire season up to the New Year.
Apart from banners that have come up along the Anjuna-Vagator coastline, social media is flooded with invites to such parties.
UV Bar, a popular night spot in Anjuna has announced rave parties from December 23 to 26 and another one from December 28 to 30.
Desmond Alvares of Assagao informed that full-scale parties were going on in Anjuna and wondered how the government was issuing permission to these clubs despite the Covid scare.
“These rave parties are arranged in connivance and with the help of authorities and police,” Alvares said.
Sources in the office of the Deputy Collector at Mapusa informed that several clubs had applied for sound permission during the season.
“Hill Top, Curlies and U V Bar are among others that have applied for sound permission in Anjuna,” the source said.
As recent as three day ago, another party held at a night spot in small Vagator was allegedly attended by more than 1000 people.
“Tourists from Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Gurgaon flock to such parties. Some foreigners also take part,” a local from Anjuna informed.
“When so many people attend a party, the SOPs are bound to go for a toss. Nobody wears a mask and the concept of social distancing is alien to the party hoppers,” the local narrated.
In contrast, the popular Calangute and Candolim coastal belt was more quiet in the pandemic year, with private parties organised by several shacks and hoteliers.
“Private parties are happening in Calangute but without much publicity. We can’t see any banners or social media posts. There are no commercial parties on this side of the coast,” said Shawn Martins, panch member of Calangute.
Although larger states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have imposed night curfew due to the new Covid strain scare, the State government has decided not to impose any such restrictions.
Avoid handshake, do 'Namaste' to wish: Lobo
MAPUSA: Admitting here is no day or night curfew in the State, Ports Minister and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, however, said smaller events could be organised in the State.
“There is no day or night curfew in the State but precautionary measures have to be taken. All tourists visiting the State should compulsorily wear a mask and maintain social distance.”
“We should not shake hands but can do a Namaste while wishing people Merry Christmas or Happy New Year,” said Lobo.
“We have disallowed the Sunburn festival in the State because of the Covid. Small events can be organised. It’s a tourist state and our economy depends on this industry,” he added.
