PANJIM: The Department of Tourism on Friday announced the schedule for Carnival, Shigmo and Shiv Jayanti celebrations in the State.
Addressing a press conference, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the Carnival floats parade will be held in Porvorim, Panjim, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa from February 9 to 13 respectively with an aim of celebrating the festival with as much tradition and cultural significance as possible.
The appointed committee will actively work to create a memorable and authentic experience for all, along with the infrastructure amount which is Rs 20 lakh, he said.
Khaunte said the Shigmotsav floats parade will be held in Ponda, Calangute, Sankhali, Bicholim, Valpoi, Panjim, Porvorim, Pernem, Canacona, Vasco, Shiroda, Curchorem, Quepem, Dharbandora, Margao, Mapusa, Sanguem and Cuncolim from March 26 to April 8.
The focus will be to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Goa through the Shigmo festival. The festival will include folk dances, individual fancy dress competitions, and active participation from all with an aim that supports and encourages youth involvement in this festival.
Winners’ prizes have been reworked with an increase in regards to Chitrarath of Rs 75,000, Romtamel of Rs 75,000, folk dance of Rs 25,000, individual fancy dress contest for seniors and Juniors of Rs 10,000.
Participants will be given Rs 10,000 per event which will be applicable only when they are a part of all five main towns and 50 per cent of the minor towns. Infrastructure expenditure for Panjim has also been increased to Rs 25 lakh, and Margao, Vasco and Ponda to Rs 15 lakh and remaining minor towns to Rs 10 lakh, Khaunte said.
To mark the 350th coronation anniversary of the Maratha warrior King Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj, Goa Tourism will celebrate Shiv Jayanti festival on February 19.
With an aim to make the celebration successful, funds will be allocated to scale up the festival and ensure a grand celebration worthy of Shiv Jayanti in Panjim, Margao, Mapusa, Mormugao, Ponda, Sankhali, Porvorim, Bicholim, the Minister said.
The minister further said that if code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections is declared anytime in between, then the organisers will comply with the same.
