VIVA CARNIVAL Goa Carnival has been celebrated since 18th century as a precursor to the abstinence of Lent, Huge colourful parades with bands, floats & dances mark this 'eat, drink & be merry' festive event
The word 'Carnival' is derived from a Latin word meaning 'to take away meat', And refers to 40-day period of Lent fasting & abstinence from rich food treat The legendary King Momo takes over & streets come alive with face masks, festoons, music & colour, Making the Carnival a time of unbridled merry-making with singing, dancing, fun & festive flavour All major streets of Goa come alive with graceful dances, strumming of guitars & lively processions, Vibrant acrobats, brass bands, dancers, fire eaters & jesters perform as part of festive celebrations Being a blend of local & Portuguese culture, Goa Carnival is known for spreading joy and happiness, Doses of Feni alongwith variety of sumptuous local food add to the fun of this carnival's joyousness The four-day Goa Carnival began along the seashore today, With the main float parade on Miramar to Dona Paula pathway Colourful buntings, confetti, balloons, Icecream carts, food hawkers & kids cycling with hooters, Locals and foreign tourists thronging the streets guarded ably by our very own police officers The main tableau of King Momo themed on the 'Sea God' with a peacock crown head gear, 'Observe Cleanliness' message by William Anes-event enthusiast, chosen to be King Momo this year The festival educated people on traffic discipline & drinking alcohol with responsibility, A traffic police float was highlight of Carnival parade alongwith floats of many a community 'Life doesn't have a reset button', 'drive safely', urged banners on traffic police float team, Showcasing road signs & breath analyser models & urging to join Traffic Sentinel scheme Teachers and students of Sunshine Worldwide School heralded their theme We are humane, global, competent and live our unconditionally happy dream Traditional occupations and culture highlighted by many floats that followed, Grain sifting, bamboo use, poie & undo, pork & salami, ghumot & tabla echoed 'Keep our rivers clean' floats displayed fishing nets taking out plastic garbage, 'Dangers of alcoholism' stressed 'destiny or death is in your hands' message 'Save water, save life', 'Avoid negligence in aboundance' urged Boys from Ponda, Traditional products and Sao Jao Ave, Ave, Ave, come on let's sing urged Stars of Ponda 'Go green', 'say no to plastic', 'ensure fresh fish in Goa', 'conserve nature', 'save trees', Conserve our paradise and request tourists not to litter garbage bottles on beaches Wonderful messages by youth from Merces, Calangute, Benaulim, Curtorim & other parts, Also message of thanks to Goans by Kerala Sangammam for being 'friend in deed' during floods But most spirited show of strength on NAB & DRAG banners with questions' pun, We are differently abled, promote inclusion, why should we not be part of the fun Where is braille signage, don't judge disability by its visibility, As every part is vital for body, we are also vital for society Goa Carnival is all about celebration of our living culture of music, dance & tradition, It has nothing to do with over- indulgence in wine, garbage & cultural renunciation Wonderful kaleidoscope of Goan culture traditional and contemporary, Viva Goa Carnival for its joie de vivre & its social messaging exemplary So keep up the preservation of our inherited traditions, For that is the basic ethos of our indian cultural diversifications SALONI & SURI March 2, 2019
