THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Holi festivities were a subdued lot this time round in the commercial capital, with the State in a mourning period over the death of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
The festivities were restricted to the offering of gulal at the temple of Lord Damodar at Fatorda and at Pimpalkatta, with revelries conspicuous by their absence at most places.
Holi was celebrated without much fanfare in Fatorda, which in the past witnessed revelries, including rain dance organized by political rivals deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai and BJP rival Damu Naik.
As usual, the Deputy Chief Minister arrived at the Lord Damodar Linga near the Nehru stadium sans any festivities. After offering gulal to the deity, Sardesi was greeted by Amresh Naik by applying gulal on his forehead, before he left the place.
Former two-time BJP MLA Damu Naik, who came with his dedicated band of BJP workers and supporters also left the temple premises after offering Gulal to Lord Damodar.
At the Lord Damodar temple at the Pimpalkatta in neighbouring Margao, Holi was celebrated at midnight as usual. As in the past, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat made his presence felt at midnight.
Other programmes which were scheduled on the eve of Holi were also cancelled.
