World Music Day: Manohar Ajgaonkar wants to make Goa a music festival destination

The eve of World Music Day saw the Minister for Tourism of Goa, Manohar Ajgaonkar, unveil plans that will result in the formulation of various schemes by the Department of Tourism. [caption id=“attachment_3730211” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sunburn festival in Goa. Image from Instagram.[/caption] These schemes will help in promoting the spirit of music, in all its diverse forms via various music festivals that will be held throughout the state of Goa. According to a statement Ajgaonkar said, “Another reason that draws tourists to Goa is music and I will strive to make Goa a Music Festival Destination,” as reported by Web India 123. Ajgaonkar also said that the government of Goa will be identifying special zones where the proposed late night music festivals can take place, so that the locals of Goa are not inconvenienced, as stated by a report in The Hindu. The Minister for Tourism warmly greeted many State musicians while he recalled yesteryear’s memories of the assorted artists who had previously contributed immensely to both the Indian and especially the Goan music scene through their melodies. These musicians included the likes off Dinanath Mangeshkar, Mogubai Kurdikar, Kishori Amonkar, M. Boyer, Oliver Sean, Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Lorna, Anthony Gonsalves, Alfred Rose, Rita Rose, Emiliano Da Cruz, Hema Sardesai,  Selwyn Menezes, Sonia Sirsat, Zezinho Fernandes, Colin D’Cruz and many more, states the same Hindu report. He also remembered Goyem Shahir late Ulhas Buyao, whose birthday coincidentally clashes with World Music Day. Goa has been a hot bed for the music scene of India  since the very beginning. Whether it is the famed Sunburn or Super Sonic Festivals (electronic music festivals with renowned international and indigenous artists) or Goa’s general encouraging disposition towards artists (Jazz, classical music, what have you). Goa is touted as the leader in the Indian music scenario, boasting of an eclectic mix of the different forms of music that can be found and enjoyed in Goa. Meandering from Indian and Western classical to rock, electronic dance music, jazz, pop, traditional, liturgical and orchestra. Goa has it all. Various musical instruments like the ghumot, madolin, dhol, along with traditional songs like the dhalo, dulpod, fugdi, mando, etc., are all immensely popular and till date — they continue to be played during celebrations and festivities. Music also plays a huge part in the theatrical art forms that are prevalent in Goa such as the Sangeet Natak and Tiatr (traditional Konkani plays) Several music producers have set up their recording studios in and around Goa as well. Ajgaonkar also vehemently urged parents to encourage their children to take up music, as an excercise that will boost Goa’s traditional culture for posterity and help in keeping it alive. He also complimented the lovers of music that are in Goa for keeping the musical identity of Goa alive with their support, stated the same Web India 123 report.