THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has objected to non-vegetarian food stalls operating during the Damodar Saptah fair in Vasco. A delegation led by VHP Mormugao Secretary Sanjiv Korgaonkar submitted a memorandum to Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, demanding the immediate revocation of trade licences for these stalls.
Korgaonkar stated that the MMC must carefully check the food being served before issuing permissions. "We noticed three to four stalls serving non-vegetarian food near the Damodar temple. In 2019, the MMC passed a resolution prohibiting such stalls, but some are still openly selling chicken dishes. Devotees informed us, and we submitted a memorandum to the MMC to stop these stalls immediately. Serving non-vegetarian food around the temple during the holy month of Shravan, when Hindus abstain from such foods, hurts religious sentiments. We urge the MMC to take swift action and be cautious when granting future permissions for the Saptah fair," said Korgaonkar.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker assured the media that a team would be sent to stop these stalls immediately. "The VHP pointed out that some stalls are serving chicken at the fair. I noticed these stalls myself and instructed our sanitary inspector to take action. I was told the stalls had stopped, but the VHP reports they continue to operate. This will not be allowed. Regardless of who the chairperson is, stalls that hurt religious sentiments during the Damodar Saptah fair in the holy month of Shravan will not be tolerated. We will take immediate action and prevent this in the future. Stalls apply as fast food vendors, but we were unaware they would sell non-vegetarian items. We will ensure no stalls sell non-vegetarian food at the Damodar Saptah fair," said Borker.
