TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
VASCO: Clearing the uncertainty over the duration of Saptah fair, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) resolved to permit 10-day fair during the festival.
The decision was taken during the ordinary meeting of the Council on Thursday.
It may be recalled that on Tuesday, during the meeting with the Collector and the petitioner, Dr Shaym Lawande it was decided to have the fair for seven days.
When Vice Chairperson Shekar Khadapkar sought the views of the councillors on the stalls at Vasco Saptah and the duration, Councillors Saifullha Khan, Nany D’Souza, Fiola Rego, Lavina D’Souza and Pascoale D’Souza said Vasco Saptah is a much-awaited festival in the port town and many of their friends and relatives anxiously wait to take part in the festival.
“We have been taking part in the festival from our childhood and due to the blessing of Lord Damodar, no untoward incident has taken place during the festival for the last so many years,” said a councillor.
The councillors said this year too Lord Damodar will protect the devotees, pilgrims and citizens of Vasco from any calamity and urged the festival to go on as usual.
Councillor Manish Arolkar, explaining the meaning of Saptah, said Vasco was witnessing plague, due to which citizens sought the blessing of Lord Damodar to do away with it. “For seven continuous days, citizens offered prayers through Kirtans and Bhajans to Lord Damodar to free the port town of the plague and this is how the name Saptah has evolved,” added Arolkar.
“As far as number of days of Saptah fair is concerned, I am for seven days Saptah fair,” said Arolkar.
Councillor Nitin Nhopedkar, while justifying having Saptah fair for 10 days, said the economy of the port town is on decline and Saptah is the only festival which helps to generate revenue for the port town.
Commenting on PIL, Chopedkar urged MMC to pass a resolution to have Saptah for 10 days.
Councillor Tara Kerkar said the Saptah fair should be for 10 days as it has been the tradition.
