MARGAO: In a break from their annual tradition, Goan carpenters who typically set up stalls during the Navelim church feast fair have opted out this year, citing space limitations and increased fees as major hurdles.
Durgesh Shirodkar, a member of the Traditional Carpenter’ association, expressed disappointment, stating that despite requesting 4,000 sq m of land, they were offered only 3,000 sq m, proving insufficient for their needs.
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The nearly doubled fees further contributed to their decision to forgo participating in the fair. Veteran carpenters Caetano Velho and Milagres Fernandes, with three decades of participation in the fair, highlighted the challenges faced by the 275 carpenters involved in the rotational setup of furniture stalls.
They emphasised that the space offered was inadequate and seen as a show of disrespect.
Beyond the immediate concerns, the carpenters raised broader issues, lamenting the lack of government support for Goan carpenters, particularly in streamlining the process of obtaining licenses for wood procurement.
They pointed out delays in obtaining licenses from the forest department, crucial for wood procurement, and criticised the government for being slow to address the concerns of traditional carpenters.
The absence of traditional Goan furniture stalls, a longstanding feature at feast and zatra fairs, is a noticeable void this year. Renowned for their craftsmanship, these stalls typically attract a diverse audience, including art and craft enthusiasts.
Carpenters emphasised the significance of such fairs as a crucial platform for showcasing their art, generating orders, and preserving their traditional occupation.
