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World acclaimed --Goa ---Indias tiniest 25th State the "Rome of the East" for its Gothic structures in the coastal Talukas or Old Conquistas under Portuguese dominion (1510 - 1961) OR "Kashi of the South" reflecting its age old temples in the central and ghat talukas, New conquests under Portuguese rule (1763 - 1961) witnessed a grande parade of eight pageantry floats with the lead float a tableau depicting a Bird and the IFFI logo (unfortunately placed at the rear) with preety young girls daintifully dancing atop from the Pato end end (east of the capital city of Panaji) meandering its way along India's longest promenade adjoining the Mandovi river at 1510 hrs on the opening day 29th November,2004 of the 10 day pageantry of 35th Indian Film Festival Goa 2004. The crowds lined up on both the sides today being declared a half working day.. The North Goa MP Mr Shripad Naik and the Chairperson of the Corporation of City of Panaji Mr Ashok Naik flagged the parade. Many were taken up by surprise at the float parade many newsmen of National and iternational media quizzed MP Shripad Naik the Chairman of the Organising committee the reason why the Carnaval floats were on display. Mr Naik was at pains to explain that it was not a Caranaval parade alone but also depicted the shigmo mell etc which also is a part of Goan culture> There was a farmers and agricultural household the niz goencars (gawda float ) and as usual the dance groups. Children men & women stood alongside the freshly laid pavement looking cheerfully as the parade depicting Goan cultural aspects passed by the Adil Shah Palace now in vacant possession until its new tenants arrive, the Hotel Mandovi Bhagwan Mahavir Park (Children's Park) the IFFI main office (Old GMC heritage complex) Several of them were seen on roof tops and the famous Hotel Mandovi, there were several Indian and foreign nationals as well The parade converged at the Main venue of the Festival the 945 seat restructed and renovated Kala Academy amphitheatre At around 1730 hrs there was a big crowd at the Kala Academy there were in addition to the delegate passes for which those that had some connection with films etc could apply for on paying a fee of Rs 200/- an invitation card issued but unfortunately the cards far exceeded the seats. The Chief Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar was quizzed by this writer for the reason for issue of excess passes, but he pleaded helplessness and as a way out promised them a separate viewing in the adjoining theatre on screens. This was accepted much to the dismay of the genuine visitors. This writer contacted some of the delgates and they fumbled for not having been assured to the seats "what does reservation for VIPs mean ? asked Andre Nicolai and Ricarda if are to stand out and watch on screens we might as well watch on the national telecast too night. Outside the gates numerous delegates could not get a glimpse of the function. One of the reasons for the chaos was that the locals had taken a sizable passes to distribute to their political supporters. It was a last minute decision to hold the function indoors when ace musician Mr A Rehman insisted on indoor performance, as a against an outdoor performance which could have benefitted many. The noted film personalities were Ms Shabana Azmi Mr Javed Akhtar were prominent so also Mira Nair was seen moving around with fellow citizens from her state pleading for entry. Since 1952 when the first festival was held in India this is the first time it is being held in Goa Meanwhile The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which consists of owners, managers, presidents and other key representatives from a spectrum of businesses and organizations around the Hollywood community, credited the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, a Mr David Smith surp[risingly confirmed via email to this writer "the Hollywood stars will not be attending" There are several programmes lined up for the 10 day event outside the main venue Kala Academy and the Childrens Park. The entire venue was kept under surveillance of the Central Reserve Police and Goa Police a total of 500 . The Union Minister for Information and Broadcast Mr Jaipal Reddy the thespian film actor Dilip Kumar were all present and also Amir Khan. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar speaking to news man said that Goa was not a replica of Cannes we have our own identity, the infrastructure for the IFFI is in place we have added more for the tourism aspect as well. He said that there is no doubt that Goa will be a permanent venue despite opposition from the local government. The Film Bazaar is an unique venture supported by the CEI . An exhibition of films of yesteryears attracted a large number of indian and foreign visitors. The old GMC which has been renovated has become the cynosure of all eyes "even the doctors have expressed surprise at the rennovation. The whole of Panaji looks pleasant with decorative lighting on all prominent buildings the old Portuguese buildings were looking beautifully painted the roads were given a fresh carpet. There are nine light towers erected believed the only of its kind in India the others are in Holland Germany Many were seen complimenting the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. >From the Kala Academy main venue GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your life partner online Go to: http://yahoo.shaadi.com/india-matrimony
