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VASCO
People participating in Holi festivities in the port town were undeterred by the coronavirus scare, claiming that Lord Damodar would protect them from any threat.
Speaking to reporters after the traditional ritual of offering prayers to Lord Damodar in Vasco before starting Holi celebrations in Vasco city, Murgao Nagrik Shigmotsav Samiti (MNSS) President and former MMC chairperson Shekar Khadapkar said Lord Damodar would take care of any threat confronting Vascokars.
MNSS Joint President Deepak Naik and other MNSS members along with Khadapkar offered prayers at the Lord Damodar temple, before Holi celebrations began on a grand scale. Hundreds thronged the temple to begin the celebrations after offering prayers.
A truck, carrying a huge music system and a live band belting out various hits, moved across the city with a procession of several revellers participating in the celebration with great fervour.
Khadapkar said Vascokars had no reason to fear as they were always blessed and protected by Lord Damodar. “MNSS is the main body which organises Vasco Shigmotsav and as is the tradition, the Holi celebrations begin with prayers at Lord Damodar temple. Lord Damodar will always take care of any threat to Vascokars and though there is a fear of coronavirus, Vascokars have come out in large numbers to the temple and for the Holi celebration.”
MNSS joint president Deepak Naik said Holi was one of the most prominent festivals for Vascokars.
“People of all religions get together and celebrate Holi every year and it is a festival that keeps people united as they apply colour to each other and express their love,” said Naik. Drenched in a riot of colours, several Holi revellers were seen moving around on bikes and open jeeps in the city, while several families spent the day by the beach at Hollant, Bogmalo and Baina, which witnessed a large rush of people celebrating the festival of colours.
