Panaji: The grand float of King Momo was unveiled in a float parade that was held on the eve of carnival festivities on Friday at Porvorim.
The curtain raiser parade was held at Porvorim, on the outskirts of Panaji, an Assembly represented by State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Union Minister Shripad Naik and BJP Goa President Sadanand Shet Tanavade was present as the chief guest.
The parade was heralded by the the colourful float of King Momo. State government has chosen Margao city based businessman Russel D’Souza as the King Momo for this year.
Several floats giving social messages including that against “drinking and driving” were part of the parade.
“There are several lives which are lost on the road due to drunken driving. We appeal people not to drink and drive as someone is waiting for you back home,” said a lady, who accompanied the float.
The float parade which travelled for around three kilometres stretchwas witnessed by several locals and also tourists alike. Madhav Bane, a tourist from Pune, who had arrived to witness the float parade said that the enthusiasm during the parade is something worth noticing.
“Everyone is in a jolly good mood. People are stress free and enjoy their life,” he said adding that he had heard about the Carnival festival but this is for the first time that he has been attending.
The carnival festivities will begin in Goa from Saturday with the first parade being hosted at Panaji followed by Margao on Sunday, Vasco on Monday and Mapusa on Tuesday.
