Panaji: The four-day-long carnival festivities began in Goa on Saturday with the state government-organized float parade held on the banks of the River Mandovi in Panaji.
State Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Corporation of the City of Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserratte, and veteran actor Varsha Usgaonkar, inaugurated the parade on Saturday evening.
The parade was led by the King Momo float. The tourism department has selected Cleven Fernandes as this year’s King Momo.
King Momo read out the decree to eat, drink, and be merry, urging people to enjoy responsibly.
The chief minister welcomed all those who had come to witness the float parade. He said that Goa’s culture has been showcased through the carnival float parade.
Sawant stated that the government has been working to increase tourism in the state, and festivals like these help attract both national and international tourists.
Khaunte said that the carnival float parade aligns with the concept of regenerative tourism, which focuses on the economy, environment, society, and culture.
He also noted that the holy period of Lent, observed by the Christian community, will commence after the carnival celebrations.
Khaunte emphasized that the carnival float parade reflects the communal harmony and vibrancy of Goa.
Actor Varsha Usgaonkar expressed nostalgia about participating in the event. “I have several memories related to the carnival float parade. As a child, I always wanted to be a queen on the float parade,” she said.
Usgaonkar, who hails from Goa, stated that the carnival is synonymous with the state.
