Saturday, September 11, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Goa’s rural landscape reverberates with ‘Chovoth’ cheer

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 11:56 AM PDT

Goa’s rural landscape will soon be abuzz with aartis, bhajans and loud noise of crackers from September 11, when it will usher in festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi popularly known as ‘Chovoth‘ in the state. Sweets like ‘neuryos’ and ‘modak’ will replace Goa’s staple diet of fish curry and rice during the festival, which will see homecoming of scores of natives who have migrated in search of a eking out a living. The elephant-headed deity is worshipped in almost all Hindu households in the state. The returnees change the face of villages during these days as they rejoice in the countryside.

Celebrations in Goa are noticeably traditional, with aartis performed twice a day. Traditional musical instruments like shamel and taso, take centre stage as families gather to sing Ganesh bhajans. Townships like Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa willappear deserted for five days with most of the shops closed and only a few restaurants open. Instead, walk into any village household and you will be offered sweets and tea.

As many as 100-odd public Ganeshotsav Mandals, worship larger than life size idols at various places especially bus stands, gardens or markets. Police have tightened its security around idols installed by Ganesh Mandals after bomb blasts on Diwali eve in Margao last year. Two people were killed in the blast on October 16. ”Elaborate security arrangements are in place. The lower level staff and organisers of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals are being sensitised to ensure that strict vigil is kept during festivities,” superintendent of police (North) Arvind Gauns said.

Police have been holding meetings with mandals since a fortnight to ensure proper security arrangements. Few mandals have even employed private security personnel while in most places metal detectors have been installed to keep a check on those entering the pandals. Chovoth, being a traditional festival, is also getting greener with environmentalists pitching in for Eco-Ganeshas.

A popular FM radio station is running a campaign in Goa to educate its listeners on how to have a green Ganeshotsav. Says station head Ethel Da Costa, “It is our continuous endeavour to identify with local sentiment and keep a step ahead with our programming specials.”

(picture credit: joegoauk6 / Joe Goa -flickr)

Courtesy: dnaindia

CBI questions former Goa Minister Pacheco in immigration racket case

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 10:24 AM PDT

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday quizzed former Goa Tourism Minister Micky Pacheco in connection with the illegal immigration racket case. 46-year-old Pacheco arrived at CBI’s office in Bambolim village near Panaji after he was summoned by the investigating agency. The CBI had earlier booked him for allegedly acquiring US visas on forged documents.

The Central Bureau of Investigation alleged that Pacheco entered into a criminal conspiracy with two persons– Pedro Antonio Joanes and Daniel Raymong Fernandes-along with other unknown people during 2007-2008. They obtained crew member visas from the US consulate in Mumbai in the names of Joanes and Fernandes, besides other unknown persons on the basis of forged documents and facilitated their travel to the US.

The investigation agency has so far come across two such cases, but they suspect that more people were sent using the same modus operandi. The agency also fears that documentary evidence against Pacheco and his men could have been destroyed after media reports of his involvement in trafficking and money laundering.

Earlier on July 23, the Goa police arrested Pacheco for his role in a forgery case filed against him by his estranged wife Sara. Sara had filed four different cases of forgery against Pacheco in January 2009 in which she had accused him of selling her properties by forging her signature.

Courtesy: sify

12 countries to participate in ITM Goa

Posted: 10 Sep 2010 10:16 AM PDT

Buyers from 12 countries have confirmed their participation at the International Travel Mart-Goa 2010, organizers said on Thursday. Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s managing director Nikhil Desai said that buyers from South Africa, Singapore, Italy, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates ( UAE), Russia, Poland, Australia, Switzerland, Thailand, Jordan and Canada have confirmed that they will come to Goa for the event. Desai added that 250 buyers from across the country and abroad are expected at the mart scheduled to be held in Goa from October 14 to 17.

Goa Tourism, along with GTDC and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) is hosting ITM, which is being held for the first time in this tourist state. Desai said that the country’s apex tourism bodies, including Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), have confirmed their participation. ”We expect more confirmations as the event draws nearer,” Desai said, adding that organizers are enthused by the response.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction. Industry is overwhelmingly supportive. Major five-star chains have taken this seriously to get access to direct buyers,” Desai said. He added that this is first attempt of the state government to actually invite buyers to see Goa for themselves. ” Seeing is believing. Other than we going out and promoting, the trend is that people should come and see for themselves,” said Desai.

Courtesy: TOI
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