PONDA: The government has scheduled the Shigmo float parade in Ponda on March 19. However, this decision has not gone well with the Kavlem Float Troupe which has decided not to participate in the parade.
Following last year’s bitter experience, Kavlem Float Troupe member Sanket Narvekar, who is also an artist, said they will not participate in the float parade this year as last year they suffered losses as the parade was cancelled at the last moment and complained that the government did not even pay any compensation for the losses incurred.
He said it is financially not viable as the competition is restricted to only five places — Ponda, Margao, Vasco, Panjim and Mapusa. Earlier, the contest was held at 15 places across Goa as by winning prizes at the competition helped them recover the cost.
He said their main objective behind preparing floats and participating in the parade is not just to earn money but to showcase their talent through the art which gives them great satisfaction. However, the government should provide financial support to the artists by enhancing the prizes amount as artists borrow money to prepare these floats.
Narvekar, claimed that last year they prepared a float after the government had announced dates for the Shigmo float parade, however at last moment it cancelled the parade due to rise in COVID cases. Following the cancellation of the parade, the Kavlem Float Troupe members had requested the Tourism Department to inspect their float and provide some compensation towards the cost they have incurred in preparing the float. However, the department did not respond to their request and failed to provide any compensation to them.
“We spent lakhs of rupees in preparing the float but suffered losses as float parade was not held. Preparing a float is not easy. It incurs a minimum expenditure of Rs one to three lakh. Besides, we have to spend Rs 25,000 on transportation and need at least two-three months to prepare the float. We need over two dozen artists to prepare the float which includes effigies, paint, lights, décor, etc, and a month is not sufficient to prepare a quality float,” he said.
He called upon the government to hike the prize money for float competitions and the consolation prizes should be minimum Rs 10,000 for each troupe. The float parade should be organised at least in 10 places across the State so that participants who can recover the cost.
