Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Sep 3: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has recorded its highest-ever revenue collection of Rs 1.2 crore from the annual Ashtami fair, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

CCP commissioner Clen Madeira stated that the earnings, which will be deposited in the corporation’s treasury, will be utilised for development projects across the city. The fair, stretching from the Panaji-Betim ferry point to Kala Academy, saw participation from nearly 400 stalls this year.

Revenue from the fair has shown steady growth over the years, with Rs 1 crore collected in 2024 and Rs 90 lakh in 2023. Officials attributed this year’s record collection mainly to the steep hike in stall rentals — Rs 26,500 per stall, nearly five times higher than three years ago.

However, despite the corporation’s record-breaking profits, several vendors expressed dissatisfaction, citing lower footfalls and reduced sales. Many said the incessant rains kept customers away, while the steep rentals further dented their profits.

Badshaah, a cloth vendor, said, “We spent so much money renting a stall, but sales were disappointing. We had hoped to sell more this year.” Manoj Waghela, a stationery vendor, added, “Due to heavy rain, fewer people turned up. We hope for better business next time.”

The fair, held annually during the Ganesh Chaturthi season, is known for attracting huge crowds but also causes heavy congestion in the city, especially near the bus stop and market area. Calls have grown stronger to relocate the event outside the city limits to ease traffic and parking woes.

This year, the fair also witnessed a scare when a bus rammed into stalls near the ESG complex, narrowly missing vendors and shoppers.