Panaji: The celebration of the Holi festival is a blend of tradition and modernity in the coastal state, where locals, along with domestic and international tourists, usher in the festivities annually.
On Friday, Azad Maidan, an open space in Panaji city, turned saffron as hundreds of revellers played Holi there. Traditionally, the Panaji Shigmotsav Committee prays before Goddess Mahalaxmi in Panaji before starting the celebrations. Committee President Srinivas Dempo said that the tradition of playing Gulalotsav (applying Gulal) has been followed from one generation to another.
Dempo said that the Shigmo festivities in the state begin with the Holi celebrations. BJP Goa President Damodar Naik was also present at the temple.
Naik wished the people of the state on this auspicious occasion while appealing to them to play safe Holi and use only natural colours.
Later, the committee members moved to Azad Maidan to celebrate the festival of colours. Several domestic and foreign tourists were also part of the celebration at Azad Maidan in Panaji.
The celebrations at Miramar Beach in Panaji began from 7 am onwards, with people flocking to the seashore to avoid the sunny hours.
Groups were seen playing Holi on the beach and later taking a bath in the sea.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant played Holi at his private residence in his constituency of Sankhalim with his family and friends.
Sawant appealed to people to use organic colours and ensure that there are no side effects of applying colours on the body.
The Chief Minister also took to Twitter to wish the people of the state. Sawant wrote, “Wishing all the people of Goa a joyous and vibrant Holi! May this festival of colours fill your lives with happiness, unity, and prosperity.”
A senior police officer said that elaborate security arrangements are in place to ensure that the Holi celebrations are incident-free.
He said that every police station has been asked to patrol their respective areas and, if required, take necessary action against those found creating a law-and-order situation.
