PORVORIM: Striking a conciliatory note, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar on Saturday told Herald that the government is open to holding Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festivals like Sunburn, as Goa is a touristic place and people come here to enjoy.
“I have always welcomed such festivals. If the organisers want to shift the venue, they are free to move this festival from Goa to other cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi,” Parulekar said.
He added that the organisers have to sit with the management committee, which is headed by the Chief Secretary and discuss the issues and clear whatever dues are pending, following which a green signal will be given to the festival, then it is up to the organisers, whether they want to hold the festival in Goa or in some other state.
Meanwhile, Sunburn organisers said they have kept their options open and might hold Sunburn either in Maharashtra or Delhi, if the Goa government does not approve the four-day event starting on December 27.
“We are yet to hear from the Goa government. If they have difficulties, we can shift the venue for a year and then come back seeking their permission next year,” says Harinder Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Percept Limited.
