Traditional carpenters to keep away from Navelim feast fair

Members of the Association, having membership of around 280 members, on Tuesday resolved not to put up the furniture fair at the Navelim feast fair on grounds that adequate space was not allocated to the traditional furniture owners. They further contended that the fees have been almost doubled this year compared to last year, fearing that the hefty hike in rates will affect their business and their margin of profit.

Association Office bearer Durgesh told the media that furniture owners used to set up the traditional furniture fair at Navelim on the occasion of the village fast,  This year, however, he said the Association members have decided to stay away from the fair since no adequate space is being allotted for the traditional furniture coupled with the two-fold increase in the fees. 

“We are announcing our decision not to participate in the furniture fair at the Navelim feast fair from Wednesday for the benefit of our traditional customers from across South Goa. Some of the traditional furniture owners had come with their products, but have since returned back”, he added.

The traditional furniture owners say they require around 4,000 square metres of space to accommodate the Association members. Instead, they pointed out that they have been allotted only around 3,000 square metre space, which will not cater to the requirements of all the members.

“We put in hard work for 2-3 months to prepare the furniture products. The Feast fair offers a platform for the traditional carpenters to show case their products and offer for sale. If adequate space is not provided for the carpenters, it is not feasible to set up the fair”, he said, adding that traditional carpenters will now participate in the December 8 fair at the Old market, Margao.