Goa, Aug. 25 -- The Goa government has issued a notification directing the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) not to collect any fees from vendors selling traditional matoli items in local markets during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The directive follows instructions from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who assured that traditional vendors would be exempt from levies. The move comes as a relief to small vendors supplying essential festive items, who had raised concerns about being charged additional fees.

With Ganesh Chaturthi preparations underway, the government's decision is expected to safeguard the cultural and traditional practices associated with the festival, while also easing the financial...