MAPUSA
The Parra Citizens Forum Association will be organising the seventh traditional ‘Festival of Stars’ and ‘All Goa Carol Singing’ competition in Parra on December 22.Both the contests will be held in two categories “ all Goa and Calangute-Siolim constituency.
The President of Parra Citizens Forum Association, Pradip Moraskar while addressing the media informed that the main aim of organising the star contest was to encourage the youth to keep alive the tradition of doing the stars at home.
He said fabulous cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 as the first prize to offering 70 consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each were up for grabs.
Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo said the youth should partake in traditional activities and start making stars at home.
“Festivals like Christmas and Diwali give an opportunity to the youth to make stars/akash kandil and showcase their talent. Let this light of Parra spread all over the world and let the message of the festival reach everywhere,” said Lobo, who has been supporting this event in a big way.
He said the festival of stars was growing and expected at least 3,500 stars for the event this year.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Deputy Sarpanch of Parra, Daniel Lobo also spoke.
Entries for the star contest will be free which will be accepted on the day of the event at the venue between 10 am to 5.30 pm.
According to the organisers, the stars should have traditional looks especially made of wood while use of plastic and thermacol has been banned.
Participants have been directed to carry a voter card to confirm their address.
While the entry for the carol singing contest is free only 15 entries will be accepted on first come first basis and the last day of submitting the entry is December 16.
Each participating group should consist of minimum of 10 members and the group will be allowed to sing for a maximum of 10 minutes.
