Key Ganesha installations to be promoted as tourist locations, he said
Panaji (Goa): Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has impressed on Goa government to declare the traditional drum – Ghumot as the State musical instrument while also assuring to promote key Ganesh installation sites as tourist locations on all platforms.
“Goa is the only state where celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi is most unique. I will impress on the government to declare the Ghumot, the traditional folk musical instrument, as a State instrument which is unique to Goa and used during various festivals across religious lines. The beats of the Ghumot resonate and adds rhythm to Goan traditions be it an aarti, folk songs etc.” he said assuring that some of the key locations where the ethnic Ganesh Sarvajanik celebrations have become an attraction will be promoted widely by the Department of Tourism, on all platforms.
He also maintained that there are various aspects from the celebrations in Goa that need to be showcased and preserved for posterity. “There is no better place to enjoy Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations than in Goa which showcases the real essence of the festival through various forms like music, décor, cuisine, folklore etc. It is only in Goa where one can experience the spiritual fervor of Ganesh Chaturthi where the local culture is at its fore,” he expressed.
The traditional aartis, special preparation of vegetarian cuisine, ethnic costumes, matoli decorations, and fugdi dance make the occasion unique in Goa. Ajgaonkar also said that in Goa a lot of emphasis is on eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and being conscious of the environment in Goa, idols of Lord Ganesha are sculptured from clay and decorations plastic free.
He expressed confidence that in the years to come, Goa will be a leading tourism destination during Ganesh Chaturthi for its uniqueness.
In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated from duration of one and half day to 21 days. In addition to household installations of the Ganesh idol, some of the best Ganesh installations for public viewing are at Marcel and Cumbarjua, Likewise some artistic installations can be viewed in the capital city – Panjim and other cities of Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda.
Team TNV
