PANJIM: King Momo, the monarch of fun and indulgence began his reign in Goa on sabado gordo (Fat Saturday) by reading out his edict to all his merry subjects to feast till they drop ahead of 40 days of penance and mortification during Lent.
His edict flagged off the Panjim Carnival parade with his entourage atop the float that led the way into the city along the riverfront promenade to Kala Academy.
This year 92 floats participated in the parade with participants gyrating to the pulsating rhythms.
Tourists and locals alike attired in colourful wigs, masks and bright clothing, jostled with each other in the magnificently decorated streets, to get a glimpse of the floats, filling every nook a cranny. Many trespassed the barricades and spilled into the path of the carnival parade outwitting volunteers and the half hearted efforts of the men in khaki to keep them out of the way.
The well heeled watched from the especially erected shamianas at vantage points near the Secretariat, the market area, where plenty of paid seats were available. An event management company handled the entire show this year. However, there were large doses of chaos thanks to the merry spirit of carnival.
Two foreigners who were participating in the parade were asked to leave for being indecently dressed. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar left the venue after watching the parade for 30 minutes.
