Goa gets ready to celebrate week-long Christmas festivity

Panaji, Dec 24 (UNI) Parishes across Goa have geared up for week-long Christmas festivity and New Year celebration, commencing from tomorrow.

A man dressed as Santa Claus has embarked on a journey in the city, greeting people and distributing sweets to the children.

As a general security measure for a week-long Christmas festival as well as the New Year celebration in Goa, police have deployed additional forces at all places around the state, including the churches.

Director General of Police (DGP) B S Brar said threat is a univeral issue and not specific to Goa. Therefore, taking preventive measures is a part of maintaining law and order situation in the state.

Even the parish priest of the city church has informed the parishioners and others that the midnight mass will be held inside the church tonight, instead of an age-old practice of holding it in the open.

He has also asked the people not to carry bags or similar objects, as they would not be allowed inside the church in order to avoid any untoward incident. Metal detectors would be placed at the entry points.

Considering the general threat perception, there is a slight drop in foreign tourists arrival in Goa. This year, 226 charter flights have landed in the tourist state till December 20 as compared to 270 in 2005.

In terms of tourists arrival, there has been a slight drop. This year until December 20, 53,695 tourists have arrived in the state as compared to 54,969 tourists arrival last year.

UNI SRN SSS LL HT1637