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Goa, Haryana in culture war

A highly objectionable brochure on Goa, released by the Haryana Government, on the occasion of its prestigious Surajkund crafts mela, has the government up in arms here.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has directed the local tourism authorities to convey his anguish to their Haryana counterparts over 'derogatory remarks' about the state and its people in the brochure.

Goa is the theme state of the 15-day mela this year, beginning February 1. Though the tourist state has contributed around Rs 40 lakh towards the event, no Goan official was reportedly consulted on the brochure.

"Welcome to Goa, the land of taverns, feni, carnival, churches and carefree Goanese," the brochure stated, while adding, "There are hundreds of taverns all over Goa, an integral part of carefree Goan life. The most popular drink is feni, a local brew distilled from cashew or coconut."

While it has published a photograph of a Goan drinking, which gives an impression that Goans are drunkards, the brochure stated that "authentic Goanese cuisine will be the highlight of the mela, accompanied by feni and live Goanese bands".

The Haryana authorities have not bothered to find out that Goans hate being calling Goanese, a term used by their former Portuguese rulers.

In fact, officials here expressed ignorance about anything taking place at Surajkund.

The festival is being described as "a splendid Goanese feast of colour, craft and cuisine -- full of fun and feni". The organisers have even stated that "Goa is Indian in as much as it is not", focussing more on the westernised culture of the minority Catholic community.

But even Christian culture is being distorted. Describing the famous carnival, the brochure stated that it "is a time to shed all cares. Boisterous youngsters form groups to create a riot of colours and music. They move from street to street, gathering momentum as crowds join them. Dances like the waltz, samba, tango and the jive, forgotten elsewhere in India, have stayed alive here".

"An agreeable climate, unique cuisine, amiable people, vibrant folk culture manifest in rigorous Konkani folk songs and languid dances reminiscent from Portuguese India, a rich musical tradition - Christianity and Hinduism, fairs and feasts are parts of Goa's identity," the brochure stated, without emphasising on real folk forms among both communities.

Reacting sharply to Delhi-based news reports in local newspapers, Parrikar summoned the tourism director, instructing him to get the brochure withdrawn at the venue of the festival, held annually on the outskirts of Delhi.

"We have not only told them to withdraw the brochure, but send a copy of the new brochure before it goes in for print," said tourism director S S Keshkamat. He said the state also would not allow the sale of feni at the stalls, but only its display in attractive bottles.

Parrikar, who has refused to financially contribute to the event further as he has reservations about it, said that he was actually planning to withdraw from the festival, but changed his mind as his predecessor had made commitments.

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