NT NETWORK
Panaji/Mapusa
Holi, the festival of colours, was a low-key affair in the city, this year, as the state administration has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in the state to control crowds, since the second wave of COVID-19 is being currently witnessed in Goa.
According to an order issued by the District Magistrate of North Goa, Ajit Roy, public celebration, gatherings and congregations will be prohibited during the festivals including Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Easter and Eid.
Few revellers covered with colours were, however, seen moving around the city on two-wheelers celebrating Holi.
Every year, the city witnessed the main Holi programme at the Azad Maidan, during the morning session as organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Committee. The committee also organises entertainment programmes, during the evenings, during the
Shigmotsav week. This year, no such activities will take place in the city.
This year the Holika Dahan event, wherein a bonfire is lit and puja performed to burn evil spirits, on the eve of Holi, was also a modest affair.
Meanwhile, the residents of Mapusa and surrounding areas preferred to celebrate Holi this year with close family members only in view of Section 144, which is in force in the state so as to curb the spread of COVID-19. As a result, no events were organised in the town. However, people continued to celebrate Holi traditionally in the villages.
Flying squads, formed by Deputy Collector to keep a check on violation of Section 144, were seen patrolling various areas. Incidents of violations were reported in the coastal areas of Bardez taluka where commercial events were organised. The flying squad will submit its report on the violations to the Deputy Collector on Tuesday following which necessary action will be taken.
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