Vagator/Panaji: The ongoing controversy around Sunburn Electronic Dance Music festival shows no signs of abating. While facing closure on its inaugural day last Thursday to adhere to the 10 pm timing regulation, a new revelation has emerged wherein it appears that Goan artists are without a stage, contrary to the commitment made by the Goa government to provide them with a platform to display their talent at this globally attended event.
Sources said that artists and DJs from Goa are upset that Sunburn organisers did not set up a stage for them despite the government’s directions. In 2022, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte launched a ‘Goa Village’ at Sunburn to “provide both established and upcoming artists from Goa to showcase and promote their talent at a globally-acclaimed platform.”
It was also to showcase to the world the vast, incredible history and culture that defines the essence of Goa. Sunburn invited both recognised and upcoming talent residing in Goa to co-create the Goa Village by contributing their unique talent to display the distinctive flavours of Goa; however this year, it seems the system is not in support of the Goan artists.
Meanwhile, as the controversy refuses to leave Sunburn, two women tourists were found to be highly intoxicated at the venue last night and were rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.
In another development, the Sunburn organisers paid Rs 2.44 crores pending dues to the Anjuna communidade, while making its submission to the High Court. During the hearing of a petition today, the organisers however claimed they were not given a clarity from the Communidade on the total amount to be paid resulting in the delay.
