Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival

Fast Facts : -
Festival Time: February
Location: Panjim, Goa
Significance: Cultural Festival
Carnival Attractions: King Momo parade, dance & music competition, street play, grand feast

The beach state, Goa in India celebrates Carnival Festival every year in the month of February. It is organized by the Department of Tourism in association with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation(GTDC). The three-day celebration is popular all over the world and party-hoppers miss no chance to engage themselves in eating, drinking and merry-making. Pulsating rhythms of guitars, drum-beats and loud folk song unwind the magic of Goan culture.

Goa Carnival starts on Saturday, before Ash Wednesday, when Goans apply holy ash on their forehead. The Ash Wednesday indicates a 40-day period of penance before Easter and the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. The cultural festival beholds a number of activities, that knocks at the heart of both the participates and spectators.

Carnival History
Goa Carnival highlights the rich culture of Portugal, who ruled the state till 1961. The loud celebration was introduced with certain myths. Erstwhile rulers believe to sweep away old and dirty articles from the surrounding. And, till date many follow the custom of throwing used kitchen utensils, dirty water, lour, eggs, vegetables and fruits out of home. History has linked Carnival with many meanings. A hypothesis describes carnival as 'Carrus Navalis'- a boat-shaped carriage drawn by horses. Portuguese used it to carry participants in colorful fancy dresses. It is said that the present day parade is influenced by this past trend. Beside, some connect Carnival with 'Carnislevamen' and enjoy grand feast of meat during the event.

Carnival Celebration in Goa
Goans start preparation a month before the inauguration of the Carnival. King Momo, a King of Chaos is elected and enthusiasts start practicing programmes, to be performed before responsive audience.

Dancing troupes in fancy dress and clowns and colorful parade of King Momo are major attractions in the Carnival. Street plays, songs and dance competition are organized open air. The colorful sights appears like the pictures on the nursery rhymes. Interestingly, the cultural functions are judged by renowned figures and King Momo take the pleasure to distribute prizes to the winners. Lip-smacking sea food, meat and local feni are arranged in stacks. Besides, the lavish distribution of cakes and pastries let foodies go out of control.

The festival spirit is not bound to region or religion and apart from Panjim, a number of villages in Goa celebrate it in traditional style.