PANJIM: The josh at Carnival 2019 is high and on Day 1 thousands of locals and tourists descended on the streets of Miramar to witness the colourful parade on Saturday. King Momo William Anes, declared the four-day festivities open with a “Viva Carnaval” cry which was echoed by the teeming crowd that had lined up the float route.
He read the decree asking people to keep the State clean and be responsible while enjoying the festivities. For the first time, the crown of King Momo has the country’s national bird – the peacock – on it.
Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar flagged off the parade and thereafter speaking to the media said that King Momo has given a message to eat, drink and make merry. “We want to promote Goan culture. Goan culture will be on display in the floats. Eat, drink and make merry is the message of King Momo. We are making all efforts to promote Carnival among national and international travellers,” he said.
More than 50 floats participated in the parade, which also included a presentation float by Goa Police on the Traffic Sentinel Scheme propagating traffic discipline amongst the people. Other floats were crafted based on themes to save the environment, save rivers, etc.
Several other floats and participants sent a message on giving Goans formalin-free fish, to not litter water bodies, not to dump garbage in plastic bags and not poach tigers. Yet another float had a social message to do away with drunken driving.
Before the parade began, a look alike of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stole the show with many people clicking selfies with him. He was joined by another participant who was a look alike of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
The energy among those gathered was high with many of them were dressed in colourful attire with face masks and hairdos. The dance and the Goan traditional music also enthralled the gathering.
