Chances are good that there would be that kind of a party at most shacks and night clubs in certain areas like Anjuna, Arambol or even Morjim. Several beach shacks, nightclubs and open beach parties have already become known as places where illegal drugs are freely consumed with the amounts increasing as the season peaks. Also these EDM or rave parties as they are locally known as are an assault on the nerves and have to be way above the 55 decibels as allowed under the law.
Though they are still functioning, famous or infamous shacks like Curlies, UV Bar and Hilltop are among those raided by the anti narcotics cell (ANC) sleuths in the recent past, and have regularly hit the news for a variety of reasons.
So it was not shocking when Herald received a mail from a freelance journalist informing about a party in the outskirts of the northern coastal area. What was even more interesting is that one reputed e-ticketing business group has allegedly partnered for hosting the rave party on October 17, 18 and 19.
The place where the party was hosted on Friday night and will continue till Sunday has often been raided for various criminal activities.
“GET READY TO SEE THINGS THAT ARE UNSEEN! CAUSE THINGS THAT ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY…. A tribute to all those beautiful people who have been and are a part of this ‘MIND EXPANSION ERA’. Let the Legacy continue……This will be a gathering to remember with the best artists and DJs, top quality decor, visuals and mind boggling sound. 3 Days of Utter Madness, Music, Healing & More….” this is what the advertisement reads.
Herald made futile attempts to contact one of the party organizers for a comment. The promotional website also displays that on-the-gate entry has been fixed at Rs 3,000 per head while pre-booking through the website ranged at Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 till a fixed day. The advertisement ensures that the activities during the three-day long party are ‘confirmed.’ “All Acts Are 100% Confirmed!!!” it says.
But this is nothing new. The seedy underbelly of the Goan tourist nightlife first hit the public eye after the body of a semi nude teen Scarlet Keeling was found on the water’s edge at Anjuna.
This is coupled with noise nuisance with rave parties violating the permissible limit of 55 decibels. There have been several complaints about loud music from the party places as a majority of them are heard and obviously disturb sleeping villagers.
Parties start early evening and going up to next morning till 5 am and can even carry on for two and even three days. Various representations have been made to the local administration including the police. But raids have barely improved the situation.
Recently, a beach party at turtle nesting site in Morjim was stopped, after residents forced the authorities to take action.
