Team Herald
PANJIM: In all likelihood, the annual Shigmotsav festival will not be held this year owing to the death of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday evening. While Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar did not confirm the news, he however stated that a decision would be taken in a meeting scheduled on Monday. “Nothing has been decided. We will hold a meeting tomorrow,” he told Herald. Similarly, the Holi celebrations organized by the BJP Panjim Mandal will also stand cancelled.
Government sources however said they might not continue with the festivities as the State will be in mourning. The government has already declared one day holiday on Monday and seven days of mourning.
“CM was a popular leader of the masses. His political stature was unmatchable and had repute at the Central level too. In view of his popularity and his strong bonding with the people, it is unlikely that the citizens will want to celebrate the festival,” said the source.
Panjim has been Parrikar’s stronghold since 1994 when he was first elected as the capital city’s legislator. Despite hailing from Mapusa, he won Panjim seat with huge margin at every assembly election owing to his strong connect with the people. The CM was also very active in attending public events and festivals like Holi, until 2017. He would also play colours every Holi festival with the general public at Azad Maidan, which is organized by BJP Panjim Mandal.
