TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Xaxtikars lined up in thousands to watch the carnival float parade in the commercial capital on Sunday, as floats rolled down the Holy Spirit Church Square-Margao Municipal square in a riot of colours and music on Sunday afternoon.
The parade was flagged off by Tourism Minister, Dilip Parulekar in the presence of Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado, MLA Rajan Naik, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, Margao Municipal Chairperson Arthur D’Silva and Margao Municipal Councillors. Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai made his appearance at the MMC Square at the fag end to distribute the prizes.
After the inauguration, the dignitaries walked down the entire Holy Spirit-MMC Square route as the float carrying King Momo wend its way into the city.
Floats with themes centred on social evils such as tobacco smoking were the cynosure of all eyes, while those showcasing the traditional occupations put up by groups from Quepem, Curtorim and Shiroda drew praises from the spectators.
The Municipal Square wore a festive look, even as the men-in-uniform had a tough time to control surging crowds as people jostled to occupy every inch of space to have a glimpse of the floats. Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and MMC councillors had a gala time as they danced their way at the municipal square.
The Tourism Minister told newsmen after the inauguration that the Goa will have to showcase its culture, including carnival to get in more tourists to visit the state. “Our elders have been celebrating Holi, Sao Joao and carnival over the years. We have to protect our culture and showcase it to the world”, he said.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said he always celebrates every season and every festival. Attired in a colourful costume, Sardinha said “I am in a carnival mood. And I want every Goan to enjoy. Because, so many people from outside enjoy the festivities. This is our culture and we should protect it for posterity”, he said.
Traffic was plunged into chaos in the city after curtains came down on the parade, with most of the city’s main roads hit by congestion.
