BY ANSHU MOGHE
Sunburn, one of the world’s top ten Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festivals, has become a magnet for youth across India and beyond. With its electrifying music, vibrant energy, and sense of community, the festival is undeniably a cultural phenomenon.
Having attended Sunburn with my friends, I experienced firsthand the excitement it brings. The music and vibes were unparalleled; it was a space where people could freely express themselves and celebrate life.
However, during my time there, I also understood why some protests against the festival arose. While these concerns are valid, outright protests may not be the best solution.
Hosting a festival like Sunburn in Goa has sparked opposition for various reasons. The event draws enormous crowds, often straining local infrastructure and creating environmental challenges such as littering, noise pollution, and disruption to marine ecosystems.
Despite these concerns, I believe protesting is not the most effective approach. Instead, efforts should focus on addressing these issues through dialogue and regulation.
Additionally, concerns about drug use, overcrowding, and public safety are often cited as reasons for protest. While I was at the festival, I could see these challenges up close. Managing a massive influx of people, ensuring waste disposal, and maintaining order are no small feats.
Despite these concerns, I believe protesting is not the most effective approach. Instead, efforts should focus on addressing these issues through dialogue and regulation. The festival has the potential to coexist with the local community if measures are taken to minimise its negative impact.
One aspect often overlooked by critics is the significant revenue Sunburn generates for the government of Goa. Goa’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and events like Sunburn are crucial in attracting visitors from across the country and abroad.
The festival brings in substantial income, not only for the government through taxes and permits but also for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. For a state deeply tied to the tourist economy, making Sunburn a success should be a priority.
For a state deeply tied to the tourist economy, making Sunburn a success should be a priority.
Rather than opposing the festival, efforts should be directed toward ensuring it is organised to benefit everyone. This includes reinvesting a portion of the festival’s revenue into improving local infrastructure, funding waste management programmes, and supporting community welfare projects. By doing so, the festival can evolve into a model for sustainable tourism.
A well-crafted policy might include mandates for obtaining permits that address environmental, public health, and safety standards. Organisers should also be required to provide facilities for waste management, crowd control, and medical emergencies.
In addition, strict checks against drug use and trafficking could be implemented to ensure a safe environment for attendees. However, such regulations must strike a balance, allowing for the creativity and freedom associated with festivals while ensuring the safety of participants and the well-being of local communities.
One of the most contentious issues surrounding EDM festivals is the use of illegal substances. It is no secret that drug use is prevalent at such events, leading to concerns about overdose, addiction, and illicit trade.
Regulations must strike a balance, allowing for the creativity and freedom associated with festivals while ensuring the safety of participants and the well-being of local communities.
Opposition to drugs is fair and valid, as substance abuse poses significant risks to individuals and society at large. However, framing festivals as mere hubs for drug abuse may be an oversimplification that ignores the underlying causes of substance use, such as peer pressure, mental health struggles, and a lack of awareness.
Efforts to address drug use at festivals should focus on harm reduction rather than solely punitive measures. Organisers can take proactive steps by providing awareness campaigns about the risks of drug use, offering free medical aid and drug-testing facilities, and creating a supportive environment for those in need.
By adopting a more compassionate and constructive approach, festivals can help mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse without stigmatising attendees.
Sunburn and similar festivals represent a vibrant cultural phenomenon that offers immense entertainment value to the youth. While concerns about their location, regulation, and association with drug use are valid, outright protests may not be the most effective solution.
By adopting a more compassionate and constructive approach, festivals can help mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse without stigmatising attendees.
Instead, fostering responsible organisation, implementing regulatory policies, and focusing on harm reduction can ensure that such festivals balance enjoyment and responsibility.
Ultimately, the success of these events lies in their ability to evolve as safe and inclusive spaces that respect both their participants and the communities that host them.