Panaji: The four-day-long Carnival festivities began in Goa from Saturday onwards with the parade float parade organised in the capital city of Panaji.
The float of King Momo led the parade alongside River Mandovi, which was flagged off by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in presence of State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Margao-Goa based businessman Russel D’Souza, who was dressed up as the King Momo, announced his decree from the main float, appealing people to enjoy for next four days.
An important milestone was set up from this year onwards in the Carnival float parade as a Helicopters and a fleet of boats accompanied the floats. The helicopter operated by a private firm showered pettles on the float parade while the boats also accompanied the parade in the Mandovi River.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the parade, Sawant said that such festivities add to the Happiness Index of the state.
“We want to increase happiness index of the state. The festival like Carnival adds to it,” he said congratulating the staff of Tourism Department for organizing the float parade successfully.
State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that attempts are made to showcase the old-world carnival to the public. He said that the introduction of boats and helicopter has added modern dimension to the parade.
