Margao: A day after enthralling revellers in Panaji, beats of Carnival reverberated in Margao on Sunday with a large number of people enjoying the dance and music and watching floats that displayed the facets of Goan tradition and culture and spread messages.
The festivities were flagged off by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, BJP state president Sadanand Tanavade and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat along with Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and former MLA Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar and the Margao Carnival Committee.
Khaunte said that the Carnival plays a major role in keeping Goan traditions alive. “We have always been promoting Goa culture through Carnival with people from over the state trying to bring their tradition and culture together. Under regenerative tourism, spiritual tourism is also finding a place. This government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is promoting festivities and culture. Carnival is one of the main events which becomes evident from the celebrations and enthusiasm of the revellers.”
“Carnival is a time for everyone to come together and I congratulate the organisers for their work. The youth have to behave responsibly,” said Sequeira.
After the launch of the festivities with King Momo reading out the decree, floats depicting of the state’s culture, traditions and heritage glided through the streets along with dance troupes, musical bands and musicians.
The Indian Navy, Goa Police, directorate of Health Services promoting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, the Goa State Urban Development Authority with its message of the garbage segregation and Mission Rabies were also on display through the floats.
Floats depicting the traditional Goan wedding ‘roce’ ceremony, traditional occupations, mando and the traditional jaggery and its uses in various Goan dishes were also on display. Floats from across the state and dance troupes also participated in large numbers with a group of dancers dressed as frogs.