All over India, the festival of colours was celebrated with much fervour and glee. But
in a slight change from the usual state of affairs, the same was echoed here in
Goa as a few hotels and resort properties hosted Holi parties, thereby
attracting revellers in big numbers. Apart from properties such as SinQ and a
few other clubs / restaurants that have been hosting Holi EDM parties for the
last couple of years, a few resort and hotel properties such as Grand Hyatt
Goa, The Park and The Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa celebrated Holi in a big
way this year.
Located in Calangute, The Park used to do a small Holi-related
event for their in-house guests but it was the first time that the property did
a big event. This year, the property hosted a Holi brunch party featuring
offerings such as Thandai, Golgappa shooters, and Gujiyas – a sweet preparation
that is primarily associated with the northern part of the country. Saurabh
Khanna, General Manager, The Park says, “The idea started with a request from
our regular guests who wanted to enjoy Holi at our property. The brief was to
ensure that the guests have fun and remember this event for a long time. We had
a few international guests who had their first Holi experience and obviously
for them it was an experience of a lifetime.”
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Grand Hyatt Goa celebrated its annual Holi party for the third
time, with this year being the biggest of them all. A celebration that started
in 2016 has now become an annual feature at the hotel. This year on Holi, the
property hosted its Grand Holi Party – an eco-friendly Holi without water and
organic colours and attracted the people in huge numbers. The guests at the
party indulged themselves in the elaborate buffet spread, groovy tunes played
by the DJ Ryan Nogar and a good selection of beverages. Other offerings
included live stations serving yummy chaats and murg kheema, hot pakoras,
delicious lamb, tikkas, kebabs, pav bhaji and a delectable spread of Indian
desserts including crispy Jalebis and some cool Kulfi for the hot day.
Park Hyatt Goa Resort in Spa in Utorda, too, celebrated Holi in
a grand manner.
Speaking about the celebrations, Jaco Le Roux, General Manager,
Grand Hyatt Goa, says, “Three years ago we decided to celebrate Holi as a
special experience for our employees and hotel guests, it involved organic
colours, a DJ and lots of dancing. What was planned as a small celebration
turned out to be a great party that both guests and employees enjoyed.
Organised in just about 10 days, the party turned out to be a great success.
Since then we have only continued making the Grand Holi Party bigger and better
in order to bring foreign and local community, our hotel employees and their
families, hotel guests and local cultures come together on one platform to simply
celebrate life.”
Until
about two to three years ago, Holi used to be celebrated in Goa – yes, but
never was a great deal, if compared to the rest of India where it is celebrated
with great fervour. But that is changing now. And this exchange of cultures
could be credited to the influx of non-Goans who have now made Goa their
permanent home. Khanna says, “For many years I lived in Calangute and didn’t
see as much excitement about the festival as I see in Porvorim, where I shifted
about a year and half ago. Yes, one of the primary reasons for this excitement
about Holi is the influx of North Indians who have made Goa their home. It also
shows the cosmopolitan culture of Goa as all festivals are celebrated with
fervour and excitement.”
