the goan I network
MAPUSA
What started as a ward contest has grown into an all Goa competition within a span of six years and the credit goes to the Parra Citizens Forum, which will be organising the all-Goa Akash Kandil contest at Jackni-vaddo, (Parra Tinto), opposite the Polyclinic in Parra on October 25.
The contest will be held in two categories “ all Goa and Calangute constituency specific. “We have focused on traditional Akash Kandil. The purpose to hold the competition is to create awareness among the youth on the importance of carrying forward our tradition,” said Pradip Morraskar, while addressing a press conference here.
He said the event which was started in a small way as a contest in the ward has grown tremendously and this year it has achieved a milestone of all Goa contest.
“It went from ward to panchayat level then to constituency, taluka, North Goa and now all-Goa level. We have come a long way and may even spread our wings across the border next year,” said Morraskar, who is part of the organising team.
Waste Management Minister and Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo has supported and given leverage to the event in a big way. “We want youth to carry the tradition of doing Akash Kandils at home forward. Through this event we are giving the youth a platform,” Lobo said.
He said nowadays, youth have no time to do Akash Kandils and this has given rise to readymade Akash Kandils in the market.
According to the organisers, there were 1,500 Akash Kandils last year and they were expecting the number to shoot up to more than 2,000 this year.
Several cash prizes have been reserved for the best traditional Akash Kandil, which will be selected by a panel of judges.
In the all Goa category, the winner will take away Rs 25,000 as first prize plus a trophy while the runner up will bag Rs 20,000 plus a trophy.
Besides Rs 15,000, Rs 12,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000 plus trophies will be awarded for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th place.
In the Calangute constituency, category the winner will take away Rs 20,000 as first prize plus a trophy while the runner up will bag Rs 15,000 plus a trophy.
Besides Rs 12,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000, Rs 6,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 4,000 plus trophies will be awarded for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th place.
There will also be 10 consolation prizes of Rs 3,000 while every participant will receive Rs 500 each, the organisers said.
Entries will be free which will be accepted on the day of event at the venue between 12 to 5 pm.
According to the organisers, the Akash Kandil should have a traditional look while use of plastic and thermacol has been banned. Participants have been directed to carry a voter card to confirm their address.
