The traditional Saptah of Lord Damodar at Vasco will be celebrated at the end of July. This year, it is proposed to keep stalls away from the temple's main road. However, every year there are more than a hundred stalls, and the Mormugao municipality allows them to carry out their small trade. During the Saptah period, many food stalls are given permission, and many sell Gobi Manchurian etc., which is prepared in an unhygienic manner.
The FDI carried out a raid recently in many restaurants, and some of them were sealed for poor conditions and outdated items used to prepare various dishes. This year, there should be strict vigilance on non-vegetarian items, which are not allowed, and all stalls selling eateries like samosas, gobi manchurian, etc., should be inspected by the authorities of the FDI.
The municipal council, in conjunction with the temple committee, should allow such inspections to take place so as to ensure the health of the lakhs of devotees attending the fair. There should be checks on the items and ingredients used to prepare eating items to maintain health and hygiene.
The recent raid has opened the eyes of many fast-food lovers, urging them to take better care of their health. The Saptah is a traditional festival, and lakhs of devotees visit from Goa and neighbouring states. It is very important to have a smooth and healthy Saptah by taking measures to ensure the good health of devotees.
