Easter is around the corner and so are the elections, both inciting excitement of different kinds.
While one leaves us curious and hopeful about future governance, the other
gives us a much needed break from routine life. Apart from the Catholics
celebrating Easter, many Goans plan on going on picnics and short trips or
simply relaxing at home with loved ones.
Annalie Gracias, a writer, is happy to get
a break during which she won’t have to brainstorm on ideas, affording herself
and her PC a nap or two. This weekend, she plans on going for a youth retreat
at the Diocesan of Youth Centre, where there’s a Youth Pasch for youngsters. “I
began the year with my focus completely on work; now I deserve break, some time
for myself and some time in prayer,” she says.
This short break is a miraculous period
for many locals as they are finally getting to have some time for themselves,
as well as meet their family members who don’t live close by.
Children are, of course, enjoying the
moment since both their parents have time off. The theatres are full with
people longing to watch the latest releases, be it the latest release ‘Kalank’,
which has picked the ideal time for release, or the much loved kiddie
favourite, ‘Dumbo’. While some Catholics are busy at home preparing Hot Cross
Buns and taking Easter egg orders, some are felicitous for the given time to
choose their best Easter outfit.
Many are also travelling across the state for various reasons
and are pleased with this opportunity. Ashwin Patil, a gymnast coach, is
travelling to attend a friend’s wedding in Pune. “I’ll be going for the wedding
and will also be visiting my parents, who live in Mumbai, after a very long
time. I’m grateful for this time and opportunity,” he says.
Ashwin was supposed to book air tickets only to be disappointed
by the increase in rates. Apparently, people travelling to other states for
this weekend have been finding the air fare really high compared to all the
other times. Reports say that most of the airlines are offering layover flights
because of the long weekend; for instance, a flight from Goa to Mumbai will be
going via different places, hence a journey of 45 minutes is increased to eight
to nine hours. Now with Jet Airways out of the market, it will be a boon for
all the other airlines with an uncontrollable increase in charges.
Ashwin plans on travelling by train now, and fair enough! He
loves it, he says. The entire experience is different through the journey.
Perhaps, the colourful passing scenery will take him back to his childhood.
What’s more? Family meets family, friends’ reunions and so many
other fascinating things happening around this weekend that have not happened
in a very long time. Mandar Rajadhyax, a Business Administration student from
Dempe College, will be finally travelling to Ratnagiri with his mother to meet
his father, who works there. “It’s just the best! like an adventure, especially
with my mother. I also like the atmosphere; everyone is on a short break and
there’s this amazing smell of summer and holiday in the air,” expresses Mandar.
He feels that since his father is on the same long break, it is the best and
only time to visit him as he would have to return back for an internship on
Monday and also to vote in Goa for the elections.
Apart from the Goans with travel plans, many are choosing to
stay back at home and relax. Adora Lopes Pereira, a student of Don Bosco Higher
Secondary School, Panjim, says, “I’ve been eagerly waiting for family time
since a very long time. My parents work and so do my other family members,
hence we hardly get to spend time together. The rare times we have, it has been
for very short periods.” However, Adora feels that the long weekend is a
precious arrangement and she is excited about the family Easter lunch that they
have been planning. Her excitement also includes cousins arriving from abroad,
adding to the cosy family moment.
Other families are all set with their grills and fuels to have
an exclusive barbecue weekend. People of all ages will spend time together,
sitting in circles telling stories. Nathan Lopes says, “I will be exploring the
south side of Goa, which I rarely got the time to do properly. I will also be
going with my friends to mysterious hidden places inside villages of Goa with
our mountain bikes, stopping there and have some nice hot barbecue.”
Now,
we undeniably know the code of conduct won’t be giving music any power boost
nor will we see chilled glasses of alcohol, but our locals have got some other
plans. What’s better than friends, fries, soft drinks and karaoke? That is
absolutely what some are planning on doing. It’s innocent, innovative, creative
at most of all, simply fun! Well, whatever it is, the weekend break is
definitely creating some magic out here in Goa.
