Team Herald
PANJIM: The annual traditional Holi celebrations turned out to be a low-key affair across the State with the coronavirus fear holding the nation in its grip.
The main celebration organised by Panjim Shigmotsav Samiti took place at the historic Azad Maidan, which was attended by several hundreds of people; but the number of attendees were less compared to the previous years.
Last year, the Samiti did not organise the Holi celebrations as the State was mourning the death of its former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant did not play Holi, and those close to him claimed he was busy in his Sanquelim constituency campaigning for the March 22 Zilla Panchayat elections.
“He did not play Holi. He visited the temple in Sal village in North Goa where the traditional Shigmo festivities are underway,” a chief minister’s office functionary said.
Later, the traditional Holi parade took place, which was attended by Panjim MLA Atanasio Monserrate.
Holi celebrations were also held in Margao, with Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai leading a procession at Lord Damodar Temple.
Residents this time preferred to play Holi with family members and friends, rather than being part of a large gathering.
Holi party organised by various clubs saw low response compared to last year.
