About a week ago, LIVE Viacom18, the makers
of Vh1 Supersonic – one of the most prominent EDM festivals that used to take
place in Goa in the month of December, issued an official statement suggesting
that the organisers have pulled out of Goa. The fourth edition of the festival
will now be held in Pune, on February 10, 11, and 12, 2017. And if rumours are
to believed, Sunburn – another mega EDM festival that would have been
celebrating its tenth anniversary in Goa if allowed to happen, has also decided
to move to greener pastures, somewhere close to Lavasa in Maharashtra.
It is interesting to note that this move
comes after tourism minister Dilip Parulekar had announced his unwillingness to
grant permissions to EDM festivals between December 15 and January 15, a few
months ago. The reason for this, according to some, was the pressure put on
public infrastructure and unprecedented traffic congestion, not being worth the
revenue earned from their yearly presence. Parulekar, in an official statement,
had said, “We are seriously thinking not to allow mega events like EDM
festivals between December 15 and January 15 every year as the state witnesses
a rush of tourists during that time who arrive here to usher in the New Year.”
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On asked Sunburn what their plan of action
is, considering their competition Vh1 Supersonic has exited from Goa, Karan
Singh, CEO, Sunburn, said, “We are still awaiting answers from the government
of Goa. We are ready with backup plans but would love to stay home in Goa,
unless compelled by the state to move out.” The Sunburn team, however, seemed
adamant about not changing their dates (December 27-30). Singh further added,
“Sunburn is definitely happening on these dates. We will announce our new venue
if and when we have a clear no from the government of Goa.”
When LIVE Viacom18 was contacted to
understand the factors that influenced their move, they declined to comment.
Local Emcee/DJ Mackenzie Eudes Pereira
hosted the first two editions of Vh1 Supersonic on the sands of Candolim, apart
from showing his deejaying skills at the third edition of the festival. When
contacted for his comments on the topic, ‘Mackie’ said, “We won’t be able to
see the massive DJs play in Goa anymore because it is not feasible for the
promoters to bring them here for a standalone gig! Also, the festivals have
promoted the state in its own way. The state is going to lose all of that!”
According to many, letting these two big
players move out of Goa is a big blunder on the part of the government of Goa.
When asked if the government has scored a self-goal by doing so, Mackie said,
“That actually sums up the entire situation – they did score a self-goal by
taking the organisers for granted. Instead of extending a helping hand towards
them, they were throwing attitude instead. The festivals brought in a lot of
people and promoted the state too, besides paying huge amounts in taxes! I
wonder what the government will do to match that now.”
Highlighted quote (pull out):
We are ready with backup plans but would
love to stay home in Goa, unless compelled by the state to move out. We will
announce our new venue if and when we have a clear no from the government of
Goa. – Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn
Talking
Heads:
Festivals like Sunburn, Supersonic and
others have played a major role in putting Goa on the world map by getting
world class DJs who are paid in millions to perform in Goa in the month of
December. It’s sad to hear that both the festivals have pulled out of Goa and
other venues will enjoy the benefit of the same. – Ankith Kedar, Director,
Strobe Nightlife
A lot of people saw it as a problem, but
what they didn’t realise was the amount of tourist influx we had in the state
only because of these festivals. I’m not exaggerating but I feel at least up to
1 lakh people enter the state for these festivals; the tourism sector is going
to be hit hard with taxis and hotels being affected the most. Post this season,
people will realise why they should try and work together. – Pranay Purohit,
Director YedaPeda Promotions
