PANJIM: As the State slips into the Carnival mood, with over 50,000 tourists expected over the weekend, business timings of alcohol serving outlets will be as usual with none having sought any relaxation in timings. The over 15,000 liquor selling and serving outlets will be allowed to operate till 11pm, though carnival festivities go on till late in the night.
North Gpa District Collector Nila Mohanan and Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza confirmed that no retailers or bar owners have approached them requesting extended business hours for the Carnival festivity.
“We have not received any application yet,” Mohanan told Herald, while D’Souza said, “None have approached us seeking relaxation in time. They will operate till 11pm.”
Even as the code of conduct is in place, restrictions in timing will now be applicable on counting day March 11. “There is no restricting in time set during interim period between the voting day on February 4 and the counting day on March 11,” he said.
Around 60 floats in five categories – traditional, club/institutional, fun junk, family and clown/joker – are participating in the parade that begins from Saturday in Panjim. Musician Roque Tome Fernandes, chosen as King Momo for the fifth time, will lead the float parades.
The Miramar-Dona Paula road being incomplete and not illuminated forced the Carnival Organising Committee to go back on its decision of change in route. The float parade will follow the traditional route beginning from the Divja Circle and going up to Kala Academy.
“We expect to get at least 50,000 tourists during the four days. Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) run residencies have recorded full bookings,” a senior officer said requesting anonymity.
The festival, this year emphasizes on eco-friendly floats, getting rid of junk vehicles, cracking down on indecency, and maintaining the traditional and cultural essence of the festival.
The Panjim Carnival Committee has decided to ban float-loaded vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers and vehicles without a fitness certificate. For the first time all participants will also be awarded a participation certificate.
Messages on vehicles will be screened before the parade begins in the capital.
