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The popular Sunburn Festival, scheduled from December 28 to December 30 in South Goa, is facing strong opposition from locals, political parties, social workers and activists despite its widespread acclaim among music lovers and economic benefits for local businesses like hoteliers and restaurateurs. Locals raised concerns related to the environment, social and public safety calling for the government to halt the music festival. 

The controversy intensified after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the festival at the recently held NITI Ayog meeting in New Delhi, highlighting the role of Sunburn Festival in putting Goa on the global map and supporting local artists and entrepreneurs. This statement triggered protests across several South Goa villages, where residents voiced their concerns in numerous Gram Sabha meetings.

Resolutions opposing the festival were unanimously adopted in meetings held in villages such as Carmona, Varca, Sarzora, Chinchinim, Betalbatim, Camurlim and Nuvem. The primary issues raised include environmental degradation, social disruption and public safety concerns. 

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Residents argue that the influx of tourists leads to increased noise pollution, waste generation, and instances of substance abuse, which disrupt local life and cause distress. Locals fear the festival will bring crime and drug-related activities, similar to what happens in North Goa. They claim that the festival causes massive traffic jams, creating severe inconvenience for residents. 

Protests were staged earlier this month by villagers to demonstrate their opposition. The previous year, Sunburn organisers announced they would not hold the event in Goa, seemingly in response to these concerns.

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) recently organised a protest at the South Goa collectorate, accusing the festival of promoting drug use. AAP Goa Chief Amit Palekar criticised CM Sawant for equating Sunburn with Goan culture and accused the organisers of corruption. Palekar claimed that the festival, held during the peak New Year season, negatively impacts local businesses and promotes a drug culture.

Goa Congress Vice President, Sunil Kawthankar, also condemned CM Pramod Sawant's statement, asserting that Sunburn is not part of Goan culture and that the festival benefits outsiders more than locals. He highlighted that the festival takes place during a time when Goa is already attracting tourists, thereby not significantly boosting the local economy.

Despite the backlash, festival organisers have started selling tickets and are awaiting authorisation from the Goa government. Goa Tourism officials stated that Sunburn promoters have not yet submitted a formal proposal for review.

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