PANAJI
The decision to shift the Sunburn EDM festival from Goa to Mumbai has sparked mixed reactions among State political leaders, with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte claiming that if not “Sunburn”, “something else” will happen.
Sunburn, the popular electronic dance music (EDM) festival, traditionally held in Goa, is all set to be conducted in Mumbai this year. The 3-day gala will take place from December 19-21.
Reacting to the development, Khaunte distanced the government from the decision, stating, “Sunburn is a private event. If it doesn’t happen, something else will”. He said that there are many players in this (EDM) who may look into exploring Goa.
He said that Goa is being promoted for regenerative tourism every month and the State shouldn't give unnecessary publicity to events like Sunburn.
“Tourism in Goa needs lot of factors. Sunburn is a yearly event… it is for them to do it here or not… Every month, we are looking at new things coming in… new ideas, new thoughts. Tourism in Goa is always there... we need to explore our tradition, culture,” he said.
The Minister claimed that December is always packed season. “We will look into exploring better ideas in the last quarter of the year to attract more tourism,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao welcomed the decision. “Let them go…do we want such events?,” he asked.
In contrast, BJP Calangute MLA Michael Lobo expressed displeasure over the development. He said that he will make efforts to ensure that Sunburn returns to Goa.
“We will try to bring Sunburn back from Mumbai. I will speak to the organisers and urge the Tourism Minister and CM to intervene. The event creates a lot of business for locals,” he said.
MLA Viresh Borkar clarified he has no personal stake in the festival and emphasized that public interest should be the priority. “Sunburn has two sides --employment generation and also concerns like sound pollution. If locals support it, we will stand by them,” he said.
Minister Sudin Dhavalikar welcomed the festival’s shift, saying his party MGP was always against such events.
