For the first time since its inception in 2007, the flagship edition of ‘Sunburn Festival’ will not be held in Goa. The EDM festival themed ‘Beyond Reality’ is all set to be held in Mumbai for the first time this December. Over the years the festival has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters citing issues of noise pollution, crowd mismanagement, environmental degradation and cultural insensitivity. The festival has also been associated with alleged substance abuse. Some music lovers consider the move as a “setback” to tourism in Goa. It is pertinent to note that in the past several leaders, social activists and the general public have protested against holding the festival anywhere in Goa. However the Calangute MLA Michael Lobo now appears to be singing a different tune. In an interview the MLA has said that he wishes to see Sunburn coming back to Goa as the event brings business to the hotels and other small businesses and absence of the EDM festival will affect tourism in the state. The government needs to promote local music and Goan bands and not music that puts listeners in a psychedelic trance.
