It is understood that the Goa government has threatened to withhold the payment of balance amount of infrastructure grants and prize money if the Margao Carnival Committee fails to withdraw the carnival theme “Save Cocunut Tree and Save Goenkarponn”. The reason for the same being that the selection of the theme reportedly amounts to direct criticism of the policies and decisions of the government and “has been taken very seriously”. One wonders how a theme based on saving the coconut tree and Goaness can be a criticism of the policies and decisions of the government? If that be the case then what are the policies of the government with regards these two issues? As a matter of fact the government should have appreciated the Margao Carnival Committee’s move in choosing the theme. In the past Carnival has always seen floats depicting toddy-tapers climbing coconut tree and the making of coconut Feni. Will such a float also be considered as a criticism of the policies of the government? The theme “Save Coconut Tree and Goenkarpon” could be to generalized one and not against any policies. It is probably a case of “if the hat fits you then wear it”.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Money is important
There have been numerous complaints about the Carnival becoming commercial but in this day and age, how can that not be? Holding the parade costs money, creating floats costs money and time too. I remember when my friends started making floats in the 90s, I would help them too. Back then it didn’t cost a lot of money but there were expenses. As far as creativity goes, the problem with the Carnival is that the themes used are always similar. People compare it with Shigmo, but for those who create floats for Shigmo there is a lot of mythology to inspire new creations. Having said that, those who make floats for the Carnival need to be more creative. That again costs money. Crying about commercialization doesn’t make sense. Without it, there would be no Carnival.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
Grace lost
The Samba square festivities which are held at Garcia de Orta garden with full decorations were also under fire on account of complaints from around 50 shopkeepers who went to Court through a public litigation (PIL). The reason for their PIL was to prevent the blockage of the surrounding roads and the nuisance created by drunk and rowdy crowd. The shopkeepers believe that their business will be affected. However apart from the convenience or inconvenience to locals, or the impact on local businesses, one thing I hope will change is that the stalls put up for supplying food, beverages and other drinks for the carnival goers at Samba Square, should not create environmental and garbage problems as an after effect.
The 'Carnaval' as I knew it, focused on beautiful, sophisticated floats by artistic and socially conscious people. Now the parade seems to be a series of commercials for big brands. A 'Samba Square' to get drunk in, is no way to make up for the lost grace of the traditional parade.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
