India, Dec. 13 -- In the days following the devastating fire at Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, the state's carefree party landscape has been forced into an unfamiliar mood right before its most popular tourist season. The Vagator belt, usually buzzing with pre-Christmas energy, now feels muted, cautious and unsure. "The footfall has dropped sharply. I went to a club recently and there were barely eight people. At the same club, last week, there were close to 300 people. Many clubs have cancelled evening performances such as belly dancers and jugglers, which were a given, earlier," says Mriduel Arora, who runs a talent agency. This is the time when the Christmas rush starts peaking in Goa, when tourists looking for vibrant party scenes flock to the state. According to the state's tourist department, Goa hosted more than a crore tourists in 2024. And December rush saw a 54% increase in 2024 over 2023. This number was expected to go higher in 2025. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued notices to nightclubs, restaurants, and similar establishments across Goa to comply with all safety requirements, update their NOCs and permissions. Some clubs, including Goya, have been sealed. There is a palpable gloom in the air. "Authorities are ensuring all the businesses are following the rules. Any kind of laxity is untenable," says MLA of the area Michael Lobo. Sachin Kumar, a Delhi-based advocate who was in Goa during this incident, recalls the horror: "We were going towards Birch from another club when this horror unfolded. God really saved us! Everything is solemn here... I hope that the liveliness of Goa comes back soon. I hope to celebrate the New Year with my family here." Will the celebrations be back before Christmas? Kumar's words echo a wider existential anxiety that has swept through Goa's nightlife. "We are hoping that everything goes back to normal by Christmas. Goa is known for its resilient spirit and safety. We hope Goa will bounce back soon," says Rajiv, who works as a manager at a pool club and bar in Anjuna. Safety audits, infrastructure updates, and government scrutiny have intensified. But Lobo assures that all will be back on track soon: "The audits are necessary. But I want to assure everyone that Goa is a place of joy and celebrations. We will be fully ready for the Christmas rush in 8-10 days."...