There appears to be no valid reason whatsoever for not holding this year’s Carnival celebrations in Panaji as well as the 4“day samba square celebrations. The overall number of Covid positive cases in the country has dropped considerably, and the Covid curve declared to be officially flattened by the Union health Minister.
In Goa too, the number of daily Covid- positive cases is now in the region of 50-plus, as people have become more health conscious and aware of their responsibilities of observing the stipulated Covid SOPs. On the other hand, life In Goa has almost retuned to pre- Covid days with the opening of cinema houses, casinos, churches and temples and public transport running as before.
Even this year’s IFFI received accolades and praises from celebrities for being conducted in an organized manner and in conformity with Covid protocol. The Carnival parade is an open-air celebration where people are constantly on the move Even the large numbers matter little in view of the herd immunity developed in more than 50% of the people.
So what’s the harm if Carnival is held in the usual manner but with strict protocol. Is it not a tourist attraction that serves to boost tourism in Goa which is already witnessing a lean season after the pandemic?
AF NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim
