Margao revels in Carnival colours
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 6
Thousands of Shastikars thronged the commercial capital on Sunday to witness the Carnival float parade as the King Momo and his entourage made a grand entry into the city to proclaim his decree of fun, frolic and merry making.
That the turn out for the float was unprecedented was evident by the surging crowds all along the route as Chief Minister Digambar Kamat flagged off the parade in the presence of his ministerial colleagues Joaquim Alemao and Filipe Neri Rodrigues, MLAs Damu Naik and Reginaldo Lourenco, MMC Chairperson Sushila Naik and city fathers. South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha joined the dignitaries on the dais at the MMC square.
In fact, Kamat joined the elected representatives in ushering in the festivities as he walked down the parade route from Holy Spirit Church square to Margao Municipal square.
If Margao Municipal Vice Chairperson Gonzaco Rebello is to be believed, a total of 110 floats participated in the parade, with floats showcasing traditional occupations evoking cheer from the people. The floats conveying messages on the need to preserve nature and environment also attracted attention from the crowd.
Police had a hard time in controlling the surging crows, especially at the MMC square with volunteers nowhere to be seen around. Questions were raised over the absence of the volunteers who were given carnival costumes by the Margao Municipal Council by the ward councilors. In fact, Superintendent of Police Allan De Sa had to approach the compere to appeal to the volunteers to keep the crowds at bay.
The parade also witnessed a couple of floats sponsored by the politicos, who are eyeing the coming Assembly polls from Fatorda.
