Residents of Anjuna have voiced their collective opposition to the proposed Sunburn electronic dance music (EDM) festival scheduled for December 31, fearing potential road chaos and adverse effects on local businesses. The renowned festival organizers had initially planned a four-day event from December 28 to 31, sparking concerns among the villagers.
Former Panchayat member of Anjuna, Hanumant Govekar, expressed discontent with the extended duration of the festival, emphasizing that Sunburn had traditionally been a three-day affair for several years. Govekar highlighted the potential traffic chaos and disturbance to local festivities that could arise from holding the festival on New Year’s Eve.
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Govekar urged the government to issue a clear statement regarding the festival, calling for organizers to halt their online campaign and ticket sales for the December 31 event. The State government has provided an in-principle nod for the festival at Vagator in Anjuna, although official permissions are pending.
Local MLA Delilah Lobo shared the concerns of the residents, stating that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured her that the Sunburn event on December 31 would not be allowed. Lobo acknowledged that the festival has traditionally taken place on December 28, 29, and 30, and the extension to December 31 was causing inconvenience.
“I have already requested the Chief Minister that there would be inconvenience, and the Chief Minister has assured me that Sunburn will not be held on December 31,” stated MLA Delilah Lobo.
The united opposition from Anjuna residents, coupled with the assurance from the Chief Minister, has intensified the debate over the festival’s timing and potential impacts on the local community. As the situation develops, residents and festival organizers await official communication from the government to clarify the status of the Sunburn festival on December 31.
