Panaji: After successfully organising the Tourism Department’s official Sao Joao Festlval for the first time at Dauji, Old Goa on Saturday, Cumbarjua MLA and Chairman of Goa Rehabilitation Board Rajesh Faldessai pitched for organising more such events in the constituency, including the famous Sunburn Festival.
“The Viva Sao Joao festival was organised exceptionally well by the Tourism Department, even the venue is apt with adequate space. Our Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has made a lot of effort to organise this festival in Dauji. From our end, we also worked hard to ensure it became a reality. We persuaded the minister to hold it here at Dauji, and he accepted our proposal. If such events are regularly held in our constituency, our people will feel elated. I request the minister to consider organising Sunburn Festival in Old Goa,” he said.
Khaunte, who was also present, gave credit to Faldessai for pursuing the matter and making the festival a reality in Old Goa. “I thank the dynamic MLA Rajesh Faldessai for ensuring that this place is available for Sao Joao festival in 48 hours. We will ensure Cumbarjua constituency witnesses maximum development and it reaches out to the people in terms of human development and infrastructure development,” he said. The minister also emphasised showcasing Goa’s hinterland, rich culture, tradition, and unique festivities to the world.
“Goa is beyond beaches. Our villages are beautiful, our people are hospitable. the world needs to experience this. Domestic and international tourists only know about Goa’s Carnival and Shigmo. Cultural events would only happen in Panaji city. Following discussions with chief minister Pramod Sawant, we decided to have festivals in every location across Goa. Self-help groups and entrepreneurs who want an opportunity to do business benefit from such events and this ecosystem. Next week, we are organising Chikal Kalo in Marcel. There is communal harmony in Goa, hence we are scaling up such events. By organising such festivals, it gives an opportunity for tourists to explore every area of our state,” he said