the goan I network
VASCO
Hundreds of revelers thronged the Port Town on Monday to catch a glimpse of the carnival float parade, which was flagged off from St Andrews Church Square at the hands of Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik in the presence of Mormugao municipal council (MMC) chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar, Vasco Carnival Committee (VCC) chairman Leo Rodrigues and other executive committee members of the VCC.
The parade saw about 41 floats in six different categories including family (10), sponsored (2), club/institution (5), clown/joker (15), fun/junk (3) and traditional (6).
A majority of the floats showcased Goan tradition and culture and stressed on the protection of nature and the environment.
Speaking to the media, Ajgaonkar said that King Momo had sent a message of eat, drink and be merry just as the overall image of Goans all over the world.
“This festival is a true sign of goemkarpon and this is what we want to show the world. I appeal to all Goans to support such events so as to bring Goa on the world map because of Carnival,” said Ajgaonkar.
Urban Development Minister Milind Naik said that Carnival was an event that was loved by one and all immaterial of the religion followed or practiced. “I appeal to all the Goans to always maintain inter religious harmony. All these years, we Goans have proved that we live and exist here peacefully and to continue celebrating various events together without getting into the religious aspect,” said Naik.
VCC President Leo Rodrigues said that Carnival was a traditional festival that united people across Goa. “We have had such magnificent floats each one distinctively sending across a strong message of love and harmony. We must learn a lot from these floats and take back a good social message,” said Rodrigues.
