The Dhargalim Village Panchayat reportedly granted provisional permission for the Sunburn Festival on Monday, despite opposition from locals and internal divisions among panchayat members. The festival, scheduled to take place from 28“30 December 2024, was approved by a narrow margin, with 5 members voting in favour and 4 against. Meanwhile, Pernem MLA Praveen Arlekar continues to back those opposing the festival and has stated he will not allow it to take place in Dhargalim under any circumstances. Whether his stance is genuine or an attempt to mislead the villagers remains to be seen.
It is puzzling why the organisers insist on holding this festival in Goa every year, especially during the peak Christmas and New Year season. If Sunburn is as popular as they claim, why not host it in other states during the same period? Perhaps they believe Goa offers a more lenient environment, where politicians and officials might be swayed more easily, enabling partygoers to indulge in unrestricted drinking and, reportedly, drug use without significant consequences. On a positive note, the residents of Anjuna-Vagator may finally get some respite this festive season, with reduced traffic and noise pollution in their area, allowing them to enjoy Christmas and New Year peacefully.
