THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Tradition took the centre stage at the Sao Joao festivities at Pedda, Benaulim on Tuesday, but what went amiss was the jumping of revellers into the water bodies and wells this time round.
In fact, revellers stayed away from jumping into the water bodies and wells for the simple reason that these water bodies are contaminated with sewage and plastic waste.
The revellers took the platform of Sao Jose festivities to make a fervent plea to the government to clean up the water bodies, including the wells and ponds.
Social activist Roque Fernandes said locals of Pedda-Benaulim has celebrated Sao Joao with traditional pomp and gaiety as usual, but refrained from jumping into the wells and water bodies.
“We have followed the tradition of our ancestors over the years. Like in the past, traditional dishes were prepared by the locals. In this age of pizzas and momos, the locals showcased our rich food including patolleos, fruits such as pineapples, jackfruit etc”, he said, while saying that the revellers stayed away from jumping in the water, since the wells and water bodies are contaminated with plastic and sewage waste posed great risk.
