MARGAO, FEB 12
The stage is set for a grand Carnival parade in the Commercial Capital on Sunday as the Margao Municipal Council is bracing up to organise the Carnival fiesta with traditional pomp and gaiety.
If MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho is to be believed, this year’s carnival festival will be truly a colorful event given the tremendous response from the participants and the public. Actor and Model Dev Gill is a special invitee for the float parade.
However, due to the threat perceptions in view the bomb blast on Diwali eve in the city, the Margao Municipal Council has taken up the responsibility to erect five water towers with Closed Circuit TV facility.
Briefing newsmen, President of the Margao Carnival Committee John Gonsalves the float parade would be flagged off by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat from the Holy Spirit Church square at 3.30 pm. This year, Queen Momo Carmel Cotta Viegas from Margao will accompany the King Momo Mark Dias and his entourage all along the parade, he added.
“As per instructions from the police for security reasons, all floating participating in the float parade will be screened and will have to undergo security check at the starting point”, Gonsalves said, and requested all participating groups to be present at the starting point at Holy Spirit square before 11 am on Sunday.
The floats will be held in six categories comprising of traditional, clubs and institutions, sponsored, family category, fun and junky car and clown and joker categories. The total prize money awaiting the winners is Rs 4 lakh.
MMC Chairperson Coutinho said no spot entries will be accepted at the venue, except junk car and clown categories, for security reasons.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to revive the traditional Intruz, special programs have been planned on SGPDA grounds from February 14-16. Famous bands form Delhi and Goa, including Simple Truth, Music Waves, Black Slaves, Heaven 7, Crimson Tide, Seby and the Wings, Lynx, Symphony, besides Konkani programs by Wilmix with Sharon, Mil Mel Nel, Anthony San will perform during the three day event.
A 25-member team of the event management company roped in by the Tourism department will accompany the float. On its part, the MMC will provide volunteers to assist the police in the security duties.