We have a King Momo whose writ will run during the four days of the Carnival. However this year, the people’s writ is more important than King Momo’s
Some people believe the carnival should be held but by maintaining all the proper precautions but another sections believes it should not because no one will ever maintain social distancing. The virus is still spreading around the country and this event could help it along thanks to the large crowds.
Considering the scale at which the Xmas/NYear celebrations were allowed and that despite the heavy tourist inflow since then we haven’t had a major blow-out of COVID infections or deaths I think it is OK to allow the carnival too with relevant SOPs in place as it would support the livelihoods linked to it besides bringing some cheer to the people. This carnival in particular would be a great opportunity to create awareness about cleanliness and the rising environmental crisis of which COVID19 has been the most impactful warning so far.
Vincent Paul Toscano IT entrepreneur
If the government can assure all protocols are in place then we can go ahead as Goa needs it but if not, we can postpone it to next year
Shailed-Shai-N Dance Academy
It should not be held as it is not possible to have social distancing with such large crowds. I don’t understand why our Government wants to take the risk. Our health infrastructure is very bad. We cannot stress out our healthcare workers who are already stressed just for one evening of entertainment. Shigmo and all zatras should also be cancelled if we want to win the battle against COVID.
Avelino De Sa Disabilty Rights Practioner
I think the carnival should be held. All bars and pubs are open, malls, markets and supermarkets are full. I dont see how having the carnival will have a negative impact when people are already not following the required protocols
Timothy Lobo Restaurateur
I think in light of the prevailing situation we should skip Carnivale this year. To the extent that some of the events can be held online we should arrange for that, but I doubt an event like this would work well remotely. That said, the situation is too dire and the danger of infection too great for Goa to make decisions based on fun and recreation. It’s time to get serious. We already know Goa has one of the highest Covid mortality rates in India and new more contagious variations of the Covid strain are already popping up worldwide. It behooves us not to tempt fate.
Jason Fernandes Martial arts trainer
This year let us celebrate all the festivals in spirit. Till such a time that it’s safe to have large congregations we all must try and help the authorities to see that protocols are maintained. And that pertains to all communities irrespective.
Sneha Bhandare Baker
I am not in favour of the parade and celebrations. It could be held online. I am not sure how it would work though
Maria Victor Founder Make it Happen
I think all crowd gatherings should be banned until the pandemic is under control; this is a matter of life and death. Countries like the UK and Canada are imposing heavy fines on those who don’t maintain sop.
Colin D cruz Musician
Yes, Carnival should go online. It’s impossible to maintain social distancing of such a large event. I personally feel now that we explored various options to take any event digitally, Carnival organisers should take the digital advantages.
Milroy Goes Film Director
Carnival should not be held this year. Goa has taken a risk even hosting IFFI this year. Goa is riding on luck but Goa can anytime become a sitting duck with no measures to control neither to avoid it.
Tirthprasad Nagvekar Entrepreneur
I think the carnival should be scrapped this year because even in Brazil they are not having it. There is no point celebrating with so many lives lost , carnival is celebration time ahead of lent and in the present situation, where people have lost jobs and lost lives, having a celebration in this form does not make sense .
They are creating more inconvenience for people, our systems are not in place and you are literally asking people to fall sick again and lose out on job opportunities making it even worse.
Cecille Rodrigues Social Activist
Well considering that everything else is open in Goa, why not the Carnival too. I mean even when one tells people about social distance, wear masks etc, no one seems to be doing it these days in Goa. So the ones who are being very cautious, will anyways avoid it, and the ones who do want to enjoy the carnival then can do so too, with masks and social distancing, and the rest who do not follow any instructions anyways can also enjoy it.
Nupura Hautamaki Digital marketer
The New strain of the virus is even more dangerous, and if it spreads due to negligence it will be a big disaster. To my knowledge in Goa the virus is still spreading, so I feel this year it is not safe for the carnival to be open to the public as social distancing won’t be maintained by the people, instead the carnival can be held online.
-Salma Fernandes Student
