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Generally, such topics are reported with a lot of caution. Almost
reverence. Let me go off on a tangent.
A visit to Old Goa suggests that the numbers visiting are fewer than
expected (this would obviously pick-up around the feast day). This was
only hinted at in the newspaper reports, but there's obviously a huge
commercial stake in cashing in on both pilgrims and visitors who find this
a useful business opportunity.
Arrangements are well made, but the security seems to be an obvious
overkill. Gun-totting security officials are ubiquitous, together with a
few raised watch-towers and even one place with a securityman behind
sandbags!
Looking forward to other's comments on this issue. Frankly, I think the
political establishment is also making a point here; just as it is via the
various 'cultural' and music events that it's getting staged to promote a
certain image of itself. FN
