AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
An open-air musical event planned on Comunidade land in Anju na on Good Friday evening was called off around 8.30 pm after organisers learnt that villagers had begun gathering near the venue for a candlelight protest. The decision brought relief to locals but left rev ellers disappointed. Traffic chaos ensued in the area, with some vehicles still heading toward the venue while others attempted to exit. Opposition had been building since Thursday, when residents learnt that the Comunidade of Anjuna had revoked the no-objec tion certificate (NOC) ear lier granted for the event. In a letter dated April 1, 2026, the Comunidade in formed organisers that the permission issued earlier had been “unanimously revoked” as the event co incided with Good Friday, calling it a decision taken “in the interest of residents of village of Anjuna, Vaga tor and Chapora.” Local anger was evident even before Good Friday services. “As it is, our old, sick and children cannot get sleep throughout the year because of the una bated noise pollution. We expected these people to at least respect our holiest day of the year,” said Javish Moniz “Even after having been intimated by the comuni dade that their permission was revoked, they carried on setting up the stage and selling their tickets online,” he added. Concerns were also formally raised by Janice Fernandes, secretary of the Vagator-Anjuna-Cais ua (VAC), who wrote to the Anjuna Police Inspec tor and Deputy Collector, warning that “certain per sons/ organisers may still attempt to proceed with the event, which may lead to breach of peace, vio lation of noise pollution rules and disobedience of lawful authority.” Activist Balbhim Malvankar highlighted safety issues, saying, “Apart from disrespecting the religious feelings of the villagers, the Panchayat seems to have forgotten that no fire brigade or ambulance will be able to reach the ven ue, in case of fire or any eventuality,” as he navigated traffic congestion near the site. Following church services, villagers moved toward the venue, with some gathering outside the Anjuna Police Sta tion. Word soon spread that the event had been stopped. “It is sad that my Catholic brothers had to come to pro test when they should be praying. This is another example of how the authorities do not care for its people,” said sen ior citizen Alex Noronha. Despite police deployment, traffic remained difficult to manage as crowds continued to arrive and revellers began shifting to other nightclubs in the Vagator belt. “It is sad that people from other parts of India are not aware of what Good Friday means to us locals. It was nice that the authorities reacted and stopped the party. In a way, it is nice that they realised our voice needs to be heard,” said Anna Fernandes from Anjuna. Music from nearby venues was audible during the Good Friday service at St Anthony’s Church. “This is noth ing new. But, we expect silence at least once a year and that too on Good Friday. I do not think we are asking for something much. Just one day in a year is all,” said Mary D’souza. While locals welcomed the decision, tourists expressed frustration. “It is sad that parties are being cancelled in Goa. It shows that parties are advertised not keeping in mind the hardships we take. Shifting the party to another destination is not the answer,” said Suvarna Patil from Mumbai, who later headed to another venue where the event was shifted.
