The Carnival will be inaugurated today in Panaji by the Dy Chief Minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Ajgaonkar. The Carnival float parade will be flagged off from New Patto Bridge in front of the old secretariat and will culminate at Kala Academy, Campal. The Carnival will then shift to Margao the next day.
Speaking at the press conference, the Dy CM who also holds the portfolio of Tourism said the carnival this year would feature 31 floats. He said the government had decided to go ahead with the carnival this year because there was competition from other states and this was also very important for the hoteliers, the shack owners, the taxi drivers and others involved in the business.
The parade will showcase diverse participants under various categories displaying different themes and messages. The total funds allotted for the festival towards prize money is Rs 14.70 lakhs and for infrastructure it is Rs 40.00 lakhs for both the places. A special song was released by the Dy CM composed by Mukesh Ghatwal and sung by Belinda Fides called Viva Carnival.
When asked how the authorities would ensure that everyone was safe, he said there were wide open spaces and people would have to follow all the protocols and ensure physical distancing. He said “One can have fun but it is important to be responsible and follow all the protocols.”
He said the Carnival and Shigmo would be promoted aggressively because it was very popular national and internationally. Sixtus Eric Dias, King MOMO this year was present and he urged everyone to eat drink and be merry but also be responsible.
