PANAJI
Amid speculation that the Sunburn Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival, to be held in December, may shift to an alternate venue -- Mopa -- Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, indirectly raising objection, stated “musical event holders should not make Goa government dance to their tunes”.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte also hinted at possible introduction of new electronic dance music event during the similar period for locals to showcase their talent.
Harinder Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Percept Live met the Chief Secretary and other government officials earlier this week in connection with the event. The organizers are expected to hold the annual extravagance at Mopa, in close vicinity of Manohar International Airport. The event is also extended to four days, from December 27-31.
Reacting to the development, Tourism Minister said “musical event organizers cannot make the Goa government dance on their whims and fancies. They need to get this clear. Let them make whatever announcements, but the final decision will be of the government”.
Khaunte said that he will put his views before the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. “The required infrastructure is yet to be created at the Mopa airport site and we don’t want tourists coming here to get a bad impression,” he said.
He also said that Sunburn should not be just one music festival that can happen annually but we can think of some other festival at the same time. “Last time, Sunburn organizers had assured us a stage for local artists. However, we got several complaints that their stage was completely sidelined with no much relevance,” he said.
If approved by the government, Mopa would be the third venue after Candolim and Vagator for Sunburn.
Sunburn’s official social media handle has already begun marketing the festival under the title ‘Welcome to the Enchanted Forest.’ The early bird tickets however do not mention the venue.
