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Baga caught the freedom bug on Independence Day, but is quickly seeing a turnaround, with tourists returning to home and work. And, it’s getting to be business as usual in the area.
“We were packed on Independence Day and the day after. Business has slowed done since yesterday,” confessed Niraj, manning the cash counter at Brittos in Baga.
It is Sunday, and despite a dip in enthusiasm among tourism stakeholders, Baga beach still has tourists. Customers are enjoying the hookah in some restaurants and the feeling of the night being still young floats in the air.
“We are going to be around for a few more days. It is no fun to come to Goa for just a short period. If we come to Goa, it is at least for a week. It is only then that one can soak in the fun,” says Virat, as the hookah pipe is passed around the table.
Tito’s lane is not yet full, but the crowd swell begins as sunset approaches. And from a distance, music can be heard. The music is neither hard nor soft, but tuneful enough to lure tourists.
“It was not possible to walk around here a few days back. People were seen roaming around all day and it turned to a rush at night. I think we all did good business during the last three days, and hope it continues,” says Ashraf, who runs a boutique on the lane.
“Goa is not just about eating and dancing, but also shopping. They say Delhi and Mumbai are good for shopping, but some of the things, one can get in Goa cannot be found anywhere else,” admits Swapna, as she continues her window shopping.
Casa Portuguesa, a unique restaurant on the Baga road, known for its Goan food, has also opened. And, although the menu has been marinated differently, Hoary and his fiancée believe the setting and serving has kept the spirit of the place alive.
“I first came to this place years back as a kid with my parents. The ambience and the food is different because the owner, who became a friend of my parents, passed away. But, his spirit seems to live on in the settings he has left behind,” according to Hoary.
St Anthony’s, another eatery that has a stamp of Goa in the kitchen, has introduced music to add to the ambience with the DJ belting out Bollywood music for the crowd to enjoy as the sun begins to set, and the skyline gets blurred with smoke.
“It is too early to say that the season has started. An arrival on Independence Day is a window of what we can expect during the season,” shares Savio D’Souza, owner of Villa Bomfim, one for the first homestays in the area.
"As long as there are no more wars around, and things don’t escalate, I expect the season to be good,” adds Savio.
“With the number of domestic tourists choosing Goa as a destination and with many adapting and enjoying living in the settings now offered, I am optimistic about the season,” admits D’Souza.
As the night begins to set in, Alisha and Sanya step out of their taxi. And, after looking around ask, “Excuse me, is Tito the only place around?” The question could well indicate the need for more choice.