Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 24: While the law mandates that all music must stop at 10 pm, Goa’s coastal belt appears set to follow a different rhythm as the Republic Day long weekend approaches. Despite clear directives from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) reiterating that no establishment is permitted to play music beyond 10 pm, several nightlife venues across Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and surrounding areas are openly promoting all-night music events.

With the Republic Day weekend spanning January 24 to 26, restaurants functioning as nightclubs have gone into overdrive, advertising sunset-to-sunrise parties on social media. Posters, DJ line-ups and booking links promise “non-stop vibes” and “revelry till dawn”, in direct violation of noise pollution norms.

Masaya, which describes itself as a nightclub, is promoting a three-day music festival from January 23 to 25, while Hilltop in Anjuna is advertising a three-day event titled ‘Back To The Source 2026’. Several other venues, including Guru Bar, Fiturr, Pirat Café and House of Chapora, have announced overnight parties, with tickets being sold openly online.

Residents say that once tickets are sold, enforcement becomes meaningless. “Once tickets are sold, the music will play. There is no going back. The system bends to business,” said a resident of Anjuna.

For local residents, the festive weekend brings anxiety rather than celebration. Senior citizens and families in Vagator and Anjuna fear sleepless nights, gridlocked roads and restricted access for emergency services due to heavy traffic inflow.

“This is not celebration, this is invasion. By evening you cannot step out. By night you cannot sleep,” said a senior citizen from Vagator.

Locals allege that the problem extends beyond noise, with traffic congestion, accidents, substance abuse and law-and-order issues becoming routine during such weekends. Some residents also claimed that underground parties linked to illegal activities operate discreetly during peak tourist seasons.

Concerns have also been raised about lax enforcement. According to sources, many clubs earlier sealed by the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) have reportedly resumed operations. Though only a few premises remain officially sealed, residents allege that business continues through alternative entrances.

Reacting to the issue, GSPCB chairman Levinson Martins said the law is unambiguous and no establishment is allowed to play music after 10 pm. He assured action after promotional material was forwarded to him and directed his staff to initiate steps to prevent violations and strictly enforce the ban.

As Goa prepares to celebrate Republic Day, residents remain sceptical. Having seen similar situations unfold year after year, many fear that commercial interests will once again prevail over regulations, leaving coastal villages to endure another weekend where the law stops at 10 pm, but the music continues till morning.