PANAJI: The coronavirus threat and appeal from authorities to take precautions against the contagion saw Goa celebrate a subdued Holi on Tuesday.
The main celebration organized by Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti took place at the historic Azaad Maidan here which was attended by several hundred people.
"He did not play Holi. He will visit a temple in Sal village where traditional Shigmo festivities are underway," a chief minister's office functionary said. Shigmo, Goa's answer to Holi, is the state's biggest spring festival and honors the homecoming of warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to fight invaders.
Traditional Holi celebrations also took place in Margao, with Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai leading a procession at Lord Damodar Temple. Sardesai asked people to play Holi with precaution due to the coronavirus threat. No person has tested positive for coronavirus in the coastal state as yet.