PERNEM
If a traditional carnival parade in one area of Panaji was denied permission by authorities, the situation was no different further up North Goa after two-decade-old tradition by foreign tourists to stage a carnival parade was cancelled by authorities at Arambol beach on Tuesday.
A number of foreign tourists had been decked up in colourful attire and were prepared to stage the carnival parade, when they were told that the carnival parade could not take place.
When contacted, Pernem PI Dattaram Raut told media persons that no permission had been issued for the carnival parade in Arambol and hence, it was not allowed to take place.
The Carnival parade by foreign tourists, predominantly Russians, had been taking place at Arambol every year. As part of this parade, the foreign tourists would assemble and later take part in a parade towards the Arambol beach. A beach party would usually take place after the procession.
The tourists expressed unhappiness over the decision to cancel their carnival celebrations at Arambol.
A few kilometres away, a Carnival parade was conducted at Morjim and a number of tourists and locals participated in the celebrations.
Mandre MLA Jit Arolkar, who flagged-off the carnival parade at Morjim, said such festivals are inclusive and entertain tourists.
MLA Arolkar said the three-day carnival celebrations in Morjim were organised with the support of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Tourism department along with the locals. “We plan to hold the food festival and carnival at Morjim every year, as they depict various traditional folk dances, vocations and also give inspiring messages through the floats,” said Arolkar.
Morjim ZP member Satish Shetgaonkar, Sarpanch Surekha Amit Shetgaonkar, deputy sarpanch Pawan Morje and others were present on the occasion at the Milagres Church complex. Various floats, troupes and artistes participated in the Carnival parade.
