The punch lines
are simple- There is Music, there is Shopping, there is food but there is maximum inter-connection
between fusion of people, artists, DJs, and business minds. But there’s perhaps
a catch. Sunburn was synonymous with partying in Goa in the Christmas to New
year eve week. Te whole world, as they said once, used to be in Goa and many
came just for sunburn. When it moved out of Goa, after a fall out of sorts with
the government over issues, including unpaid bills, the jury was out over who
lost out, the organisers of Sunburn or the Goa government. In the end, it’s
fair to say EDM lovers lost out. This time, with Sunburn in February, it could
cut both ways- give a much needed boost to a slack tourism season or get
affected by it.
However, those Café
spoke to, looked forward to the return of Sub burn
Director of Tourism
Sanjeev Ghadkar has stated, “The event is promoted in the interest of tourism
in Goa and the proposal has been received from the party to hold it in
February. As for the crowd, it will definitely be there.”
DJ Eldrin Fernandes
agrees that parties do not have a specific time, “It can happen anytime. At
times we need to be spoilt for our choice. Sunburn makes you live, love, and
dance. But yeah this time Sunburn is during the exam season. They’ll be losing
out on quite a few of the young crowd, but I guess it won’t make a huge
difference, as there will be an inflow of tourists”
Goa is no longer a
place where seasonal tourists visit; it’s become a touristic place all round
the year. Perhaps Sunburn shifting to February is a good plan.
Singer and Music
Composer Varun Carvalho was pleased at Sunburn coming back to Goa in the month
of February. “I feel it is a good thing because Goans can once again listen and
learn from the top DJ’s in the world. I guess the timing could have been a bit
better on account of the exams that will be happening simultaneously, and also
people who travel for work. I do feel the Goa government should put in more
time in scheduling the music festivals to the best suited time of the year”.
Celebrity
Choreographer Sonia Jaffer, understands the vibe of Sunburn and connects to its
security aspects as well. “To me it does not make a difference when Sunburn
takes place. The perspective is not whether it will affect exam goers because
there is distraction all the year round. If someone does not want to be
distracted, then they don’t get distracted, and if someone is looking for a
distraction then anything can be made the source, whether it’s Sunburn or the
phone in your hand.” According to her experience, it all depends on how
customer friendly the organisers will make the event this year.
Along with that she
addresses her concerns for strict identification. “A lot of Under-18 make it
inside and even have access to alcohol. As far as I have hoped, Sunburn along
with its excitement and fun should display itself as a responsible music
festival.” she adds.
Nandan
Kuchadkar, Chairman Kudchadkar Group of Companies expresses, “Sunburn is - MADE
IN GOA, and the vibe of this festival when it happens in Goa is surreal. Music
festivals with installations of this nature are need of the hour to promote Goa
- just not February - I wish the organisers of sunburn have a festival like
this every month , it would take Goa tourism to a different level - viva Goa!”