NT BUZZ
The streets of Goa are all decked up with colourful buntings, banners, masks and themed decor in preparation for the four-day Goa Carnaval from February 10 to February 13. Float parades will be held in Panaji on February 10 along the new route from the Miramar circle heading towards Dona Paula; in Margao on February 11; in Vasco on February 12 and Mapusa on February 13. Similar parades will also be held in Ponda on February 11, Curchorem on February 12 and Morjim on February 13. The mythical king of Carnival 2018, Bruno Azaredo from Utorda will lead the major Carnaval parades across the state as the ‘King Momo’. “My message to the general public would be to make merry but also to be accountable and refrain from littering in order to give boost to the idea of a clean Goa,” said Azaredo. This year, the prize money for the float competitions has been increased to encourage a better participation. “The prize money has been increased from `6,25,000
to ` 7,35,000 this year for a better involvement,” said minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Manohar Ajgaonkar.
A special Goan Carnaval theme song 2018 titled ‘Goencho Carnaval’ arranged by Shine on Duo, composed by Sidney Soares and sung by Silvina Lopes, Sidney Soares and Lloyd Paul was launched at the event. Also present for the event were chairman of GTDC, Nilesh Cabral who was in support of the clean Goa initiative and DySP of traffic cell, Panaji, Dharmesh Angle gave a brief outline of the traffic movement and parking allotment for Carnaval in Panaji.
To add up to the festivities, the five-day Goa Food and Cultural Festival will the held from February 9 to February 13 at DB Bandodkar Grounds, Campal. This festival besides the food aspect, will also host several performances, activities and events. Day 1, February 9, will see a duet performance by ‘Shine On’; the band ‘Raul with Raagas 2 Riches’ followed by a fusion performance by ‘Ravi Chary with Gino Banks & Troupe’. On February 10 a performance by ‘Kanan Brothers’, followed by a concert by ‘Agnee’ will be held.
On February 11, there will be live performances by bands, ‘Moksha’ and ‘Lagori’. And on February 12, live performance by ‘Black Trio’ will be held followed by a fashion show by Anusha Shaikh featuring models walking the ramp with differently-abled girls of Chetna Charitable Trust Curchorem and dance performances. On the concluding day February 13, the band ‘Crimson Tide’ will render a live performance followed by a dance performances and the event will conclude with a performance by ROL band.
(The festival is open to all.)