In a significant hike in fees, the state government has reportedly notified that license fees and permission for weddings and events on beaches in Goa will now be Rs one lakh per day. Until now, the fees were Rs one lakh per event of up to five days with an additional Rs 10,000 charged per day thereafter. Beaches in Goa are popular wedding destinations.
The beach offers a stunning backdrop as a wedding venue and provides a romantic ambiance that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. However all this comes at a price. It is pertinent to note that the average Goan wedding mostly takes place in the wedding halls. Hence the hike in the fees will not affect their wedding plans. It is only a few Goans and the elite from other states who would be able to afford a beach wedding.
Nevertheless weddings are usually a one-day affair and the hike in the license fees to Rs one lakh per day should not affect those who prefer a beach wedding. However other events on the beaches do take place for more than one day. In the past musical shows and entertainment programmes used to take place on the beach sand during the summer vacation which would go on for several days. If the government is going to charge exorbitant fees for these events, then such beach entertainment will be a thing of the past.
