In the midst of the celebration, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filip Neri Ferrao has conveyed his greetings and wishes to the people of Goa for the New Year. “We are still in the festive season of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the ‘Prince of Peace.’ At the dawn of the New Year of 2018 I would like to convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of our beloved State, praying that God may inspire and help us to be agents of peace, justice and harmony among the various communities. In the midst of challenges like individualism, indifference towards other people’s faith and culture and resistance to join together in fighting common causes, I pray that we may all work together to build a more peaceful, secular and harmonious society in our State. A truly Happy and Grace-filled New Year to all!,” he said. 

Governor of Goa Dr Mridula Sinha has also wished the people stating, “On this auspicious and joyous occasion of New year, I extend my heartiest and best wishes to the people of Goa. The whole world celebrates New Year with great enthusiasm and energy. People concerned to various walks of life welcome the New Year in their own hearty ways. It is a day which brings joy and happiness all around. Today, we are stepping into yet another year in our life. This is an important occasion to reflect on the year gone by and prepare ourselves to embrace the future. It is on such seminal occasions that we should try to diffuse differences, forget bitterness and foster love and friendship between the members of the society. While ushering in the New Year, we should also renew our commitment to live in peace, harmony and unity. The Governor has appealed to the people to continue maintaining the existing social harmony and peace, so as to reach newer heights of development in Goa. “Goa has a reputation of being a peaceful State. People belonging to different religions do not only live here in complete harmony but also rejoice other’s company. Different festivals are celebrated here with equal enthusiasm and people from different castes, backgrounds and religions work in perfect harmony with each other,” she said.

The beaches are already packed with a number of visitors keeping the local and traffic police on their toes. The Goa police had deployed additional staff to ensure safety and security of the people while traffic personnel are at every possible point for smooth flow of vehicular traffic.