The decks are finally cleared for the four-day Carnival festivities, and the controversies surrounding the parade route in Margao have been put to rest. The court has upheld the resolution of the Margao Municipal Council over the decision of the Carnival Committee. While the drums of festivity begin its beat, the debate continues to rage over routes and traditions, over government’s will and the administration, because a template has not been set.
Some questions remain unanswered. Should routes be allowed to change on the whims and fancies of political powers? What should the administration choose: the larger interest of the public or follow the master’s voice? And finally, should a resolution passed by the municipality create an exception to generally-followed rules?
Ironically, the Margao Carnival route has been muddied with politics. The parade, which forms a cultural reflection of the rich heritage of Goa is given a political hue. The struggle of one-upmanship has now shifted from Fatorda road-naming to the Carnival route completely ignoring the larger picture of convenience to people and traffic management.
The argument of city heritage put forth by the Margao carnival committee while rooting for the traditional route cannot hold because a lot has changed over the years. The population has increased, and so has the traffic. It was precisely for this reason that the parade took the new route in 2016 on a recommendation by the District Collector and the Traffic Police. The tourism department cannot bulldoze its way without taking the view of the district administration into account. And this fact was amply made clear by the High Court. It observed that the statutory authorities must independently apply their mind and not go merely by the resolutions of the councils.
On the flip side, the High Court may have put the controversy to rest going by the resolution of the Margao Municipal Council. But in all fairness, how can festivities like Shigmotsav, Dindi and the annual Eid-e-Milad’ julus’ procession of the Muslim community, be barred from entering the heart of the city?
In Panaji, the CCP stuck to their guns despite the police refusing to accept the main Panaji route due to traffic issues again highlights the fact that there was a difference of opinion. The float parade was shifted to the Miramar-Dona Paula side because the traffic could not be controlled along the main Panaji route. It’s another story that the traffic police finally budged and toed the CCP line.
Carnival is one of the most celebrated festivals since the 18th century and has been part of Goa’s folklore. It’s time for colourful float parades led by King Momo to roll out. It’s about merry-making, dance and colour. The unbridled festivity brings alive remotest of villages and cities alike. Keep the politics out, let Goans and tourists soak in the pure fun and frolic that the festival has to offer. Viva Carnival!
