Goa in search of tranquil travellers

Goa’s transformation from a serene haven to a bustling tourist hotspot doesn't surprise me. While there are pros and cons to this shift, it’s ironically amusing that what’s been preoccupying my thoughts is something quite trivial, yet oddly reflective.

In various tourist spots, it's not uncommon to notice this occurrence. It seems to be a common occurrence, with each person adding the noisy quotient to the lively and peaceful touristy places.

This behavior isn’t limited to a specific group of tourists; it seems to be a universal trait, with many contributing to the cacophony in their own special ways.

On a rather quiet Thursday, for instance, I was heading to Divar Island for work. I looked forward to the ferry ride as a moment to relax, clear my mind, and gain some perspective. As I parked my scooter and watched the ferry depart, I anticipated a soothing experience — waves gently lapping the boat, breeze in my hair, and the steady hum of the ferry’s engine. These elements make the ferry ride feel special on this route.

However, the tranquility I was experiencing was short-lived. Out of nowhere, a thunderous beat erupted. A lady in a floral dress and wearing a fancy hat had strapped around her shoulders a turquoise speaker, its volume cranked to the max.

While she danced away to regional tunes on a yellow rented scooter with her four companions scattered around the ferry, she seemed blissfully unaware of the concepts of tranquility, peace, or, dare I say, common courtesy.

The ferry was carrying around three cars and five bikes. Noticing my dismay, an elderly resident gave a knowing sigh, as if to say, "Oh, this is a regular scene”. I refrained from asking the speaker enthusiast to use headphones, not wanting to fit the stereotype of a tourist grumbling about Goans. So, I retreated to a corner where the music was less invasive.

Just as I was letting this minor irritation slide, thinking it wasn’t worth confronting, another incident made me seriously reconsider the concept of noise, public peace, and responsibility.

One evening, as I headed to Miramar Beach, a group of tourists — both men and women in their 30s — had a similar speaker blasting away music. They were playing the 2020 hit, Alag Aasmaan, by Anuv Jain. It wasn’t the song itself, but the sheer volume in such close proximity that really got on my nerves. It felt like the song created a completely different (Alag) atmosphere for us all -- good for some, maybe, annoying for those like me.

Some time ago, I remember an elderly resident over coffee at Fontainhas (the famous Latin Quarters of Goa), complaining that that around siesta time, you could see tourists dragging their feet, yelling, and blaring bike horns.

At the time, I brushed it off, thinking it was just a regular occurrence. However, as they say, you only truly understand something when you experience it yourself.

Yes, there is no doubt Goa is a holiday place, but it’s also a place where people live and call home. If one loves music so much, why impose it on others? This is where the idea of headphones comes in. Why must people subject everyone around them to their personal soundtrack?

Goa is known for its beauty, peace, and serenity, and it’s disheartening to see some visitors drown out these aspects with loud music better suited for intimate and private moments.

When discussing noise pollution, the situation in coastal Anjuna, Arpora and other locations in North Goa is a vivid and larger example for anyone to ignore. Locals have been voicing their frustrations about how noise pollution has been disrupting their daily lives. The lively atmosphere that draws tourists to Anjuna, with its constant parties, beach events, and bustling markets, comes with a downside: persistent noise.

In summary, while Anjuna or Goa's bustling atmosphere attracts tourists, it comes at the expense of the residents' peace and well-being. The noise pollution disrupts their sleep, affects their mental health, and undermines the quality of their life.

So, while we constantly seek things to do in Goa, I urge everyone who claims to love this place to show it through their actions, not just by wearing it boldly on a T-shirt that proclaims that false sense of love.

While I respect everyone's right to enjoy themselves, I wish they would consider the comfort of others. Blasting music in public spaces can detract from the collective experience of relaxation and enjoyment that many seek.