PANAJI
The city of Panaji will come alive with the four-day celebration of the carnival beginning from February 26 and closing on March 1.
The city will wear a colourful look amidst the pandemic and invite locals as well as tourists to participate in the celebrations observing all Covid-related norms.
Briefing the series of planned events along with the participation of industry stakeholders, citizens and community champions, Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Agnelo J Fernandes stated that CCP is organising this mega event on the lines of previous years. This year too citizens, establishments and the city authority will join forces to celebrate and revive the nostalgia of the years gone by,” said Fernandes.
“The city will experience the nostalgia of the carnival celebrations held in the past. We are making this event more open and accessible to all, involving musicians, event management companies, restaurants, food stalls promoting traditional Goan food. A dog stall will be an added attraction to the show where stray dogs will be given for adoption. A heritage walk will help in promoting and identifying places to visit for tourists. There will be Children’s carnival too at one side of the centrally located Jardin Garcia de Orta which will be transformed into Samba Square for the four-day celebrations,” stated the Commissioner, adding, “The event, that has a sanctioned budget of Rs 20 lakh from the CCP, will raise remaining expenses from sponsors.”
The float parade will kick off at 3 pm and will have several categories including traditional, club and institutions, family, junk and jokers, clowns and janata, sponsors etc.
“We shall be celebrating observing all Covid-related precautions like social distancing and request the public to participate wearing masks. During the carnival celebrations, the roads will be closed for public transport and various stalls will adorn the Samba Square. This year the city has added other venues “ the newly renewed walkway along the Miramar beach and other spots around the city,” informed Fernandes. Special attractions like cycle tours, walking trails, food stalls, culinary pop-ups, pop-up eateries, art workshops, craft sessions, creative games, musical performances, khel tiatrs, stand-up comedies etc will be a part of the show this year. Vintage and classic car drive will be held on the second day (February 27) from Samba Square to Miramar beach.
The food and beverage trade community has come together to support the city authorities in the efforts. Hotels, restaurants and culinary hotspots across the city have planned to bring the flavour of carnival into their establishments by curating special carnival themes menus and decor to celebrate the efforts of the city.
“We at the Taj are going to be putting in all efforts to offer a wonderful experience to residents and visitors. We are also going to be bringing in a food truck all the way from Mumbai to be part of the Carnaval culinary extravaganza,” informed Vincent Ramos, area director, Taj Group of Hotels.
“This will be our CSR activity,” stated Ramos, adding, “Goa is known for its food, and people flock here to enjoy the food, culture and harmony. We will bring Taj to the streets for the locals in a bid to try to keep the local food traditions alive and also revive the culture.”
Endorsing this restaurateur Pralhad Sukhtankar added, “A dedicated zone will be created for local culinary entrepreneurs (foodpreneurs) at Samba Square in an effort to encourage them and to offer a platform to showcase their creations and 26 restaurants have joined hands in this stall installation programme. The restaurants will prepare their menus focusing on the carnival theme. We are planning more such programmes in Panaji to bring a feeling of nostalgia to the city,” said Sukhtankar.
Informing about CCP’s future intentions, Richard Dias disclosed, “CCP will be participating in the UNESCO Creative Challenges for such unique programmes, and offer culinary space in the food capital of Goa and make it smart globally. We will be bringing culinary specialities from home kitchens to the public with incubation and mentoring.”
Bookworm has planned a host of activities for children of all age groups at Samba Square. The traditional Red & Black Street dance which is generally held on the last day of the carnival celebration will be held on March 1.
