The Carnival floats parade organised by the Margao Carnival committee on Sunday. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Saxttikars as usual kept the date with the Carnival festivities in the commercial capital on Sunday as they turned up in large numbers to witness the Carnival float parade organised by the Margao Carnival Committee.
Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the half-a-kilometer long Holy Spirit Church Square-Margao Municipal Square route as the participants danced their way through the streets to loud cheers.
Before the King Momo made his way on the Carnival route, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte flagged off the parade in the presence of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, BJP State president Damu Naik, Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar, Margao Carnival Committee Chairman Camilo Barretto.
As is the tradition in the commercial capital, the guests walked down on the route attired in Carnival costumes.
After the inauguration, the Tourism Minister said the government is playing an important role in organising the festivities in the State. “As part of the policy Goa beyond beaches, the government is promoting Carnival on a higher scale, which showcases communal harmony, vibrancy and the warmth of the people of Goa and their culture,” he said.
Saying that Carnival plays a great role in promoting cultural tourism, Khaunte said Carnival helps to promote on a different footing, Goan culinary, heritage, culture, etc.
Sending a message to the tourists to come to Goa and enjoy the festivities, the Tourism Minister, however, cautioned that they should enjoy the festivities in a responsible manner.
In his brief address, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat wished the people Viva Carnival, urging the people to enjoy the three days of festivities.
BJP State President Damu Naik said Carnival brings together the people of Goa to celebrate the festivities to soak in three days of fun and merry making. “The festival helps to showcase age-old tradition and display their talents,” he added.
Chairman of Margao Carnival Committee Camilo Barretto said the float parade was a grand success with as many as 62 floats participating in the parade on Sunday.
