Augusto Rodrigues
COUTINHOVADDO, VAGATOR: From turtle nesting site to a nightclub that has been ordered shut for violating decibel norms – the frantic venue hunt for the Karacus Marakus festival has plunged the trance music event into another controversy.
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According to a decision announced by the organiser Pralayahrecords, the six-day event is now being held at Echo in Vagator, which is under a closure notice issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The festival was forced to shift to Echo at the last minute after O Heraldo reported on February 12 that its previous venue – Dream Beach in Vagator – was a nesting site for the protected Olive Ridley turtle.
As for the new venue, Echo, the GSPCB filed an affidavit with the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on February 12, stating that a reminder letter had been issued to the Collector to implement the closure directions against Echo-Vamos. According to the affidavit, “Reminder letter issued to the Collector for implementation of the Closure Directions against Vamos-Echo” was highlighted in the section ‘Action taken / proposed on 11/02/2025.’
Despite the closure notice, crowds were reported to be gathering outside Echo after sunset on Friday, the first day of the trance festival, although no music was audible at the time of press. One ticket holder, waiting outside the venue, said, “I’ve been informed the party will start around midnight. That’s why I’m waiting here, hoping they’ll open the gate and let us in before it begins.”
Locals, however, expressed outrage at the situation. Thaddeus D’Souza, a resident living 50 metres from the venue, described his daily struggles with loud music, which sometimes starts in the afternoon and goes on through the night. “Living here is a nightmare. I’ve been making complaints to the police, sending copies to the Amicus Curiae handling the noise pollution case to let the judges know that the Advocate General is regularly lying,” he said.
After O Heraldo’s report forced the venue shift, organisers had informed ticket holders that the festival would be relocated to Origen in Vagator. However, on the opening day of the event, a flyer from Pralayahrecords announced that the party would be held at Echo.
In a statement on their social media, Pralayahrecords explained the shift, stating, “This update is the result of extensive discussions with relevant authorities, landowners, and all parties involved.”
The organizers also added, “We kindly request that you refrain from spreading negative comments on our social media posts, any such behavior will result in immediate blocking and denial of entry to the venue.”
The controversy surrounding the festival intensified with comments from local officials. Varsha Parab, the new Deputy Collector of North Goa, confirmed that no permission had been granted for the event. “I have received no application for permission to play music and was not aware that a closure notice stands against the venue,” she said.
Anjuna Police Station PI Suraj Gawas echoed the sentiment, stating, “The question of us giving permission to play at Echo does not arise as I am aware of the affidavit presented to the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court by GSPCB.”
Local activist Alex Noronha sharply criticized the event’s organizers, calling the move “arrogant” and a “contempt of the High Court.” He added, “Trying to have a party at a place with a closure notice not only smacks of arrogance but is in contempt of the Goa Bench of the High Court, which has been informed that closure directions have been issued.”
Noronha also expressed his frustration with the situation, suggesting that the police’s failure to act may be due to political influence. “The police would not act with total disregard for the High Court without the blessing of the government. There is big money involved, and the cops are being made scapegoats. This is why Goa is known for its ‘Kuch bhi chalta hai’ attitude in India,” he said.
In a letter to the Anjuna Police Station, D’Souza reiterated his concerns, stating that the festival should not be allowed to proceed at Echo, citing the closure notice issued by GSPCB. His letter was acknowledged by the police at 6:06 pm on Friday.
