About the Carnival
Goa Carnival, as the name suggests, is exclusively celebrated in the Goa mostly by Christians. However, what is remarkable about the festival is that it refuses to be recognised as a religious event. In stead it is a symbol of Goan culture in its entirety. The festival had its origin during the reign of King Momo, a legendary figure in the Goan history. The festival, though much more sober than a western carnival, still, is one period when people love to leave the peaceful atmosphere of their house and regale in the festivities of this colourful festival. It is one delightful extra vaganza which Goans hate to miss out.
Time
This three days delightful festival is celebrated during the month of February before the Lent season (this season is a period when Christians observe fasts and go for reconciliation). It commences on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) and concludes on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday)-the eve of Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the season of Lent.
Major Attractions during the Carnival
The spectacular Goa carnival is celebrated in an elaborate fashion with people selecting a person in the very beginning to act as King Momo. This person presides over the entire festival and gives away prizes for best performances in the end. Preparations for this carnival begins from the month of December itself when people select their plays, songs and dance on which they have to perform.
During the carnival itself, there is not a moment of monotony as aninfectious happiness floats in the air. This invariably affect the tourists visiting Goa. Beautiful people dressed in colourful dresses and wearing masks come out on the street and participate in the procession that are characterised by parades and the presence of bands playing music. In the evening balls are organised for the entertainment. Through out the three days and four nights, these processions keep the state of Goa alive with music and dance.
There are people donning combat uniform who feign fighting an artificialwar with potatoes and colour powders as their weapons. There are also young people who load themselves on a truck and display various illustrations,while at the same time continue to throw coloured waters at the on lookers who have collected at the side of road to watch the procession. This is a better version of an earlier celebration which was popularised by the then rulers of Goa. Flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, mud, sand-filled gloves alongwith dirty water, various liquids and glue were thrown at passersby. Alsoold utensils were discarded to welcome the pious season..
The Goa Carnival is a time when people keep a side all their worries andimmerse in fun and frolic that seems to be a never ending celebrations.Tourists who visit Goa during this season are mesmerised by the colour,beauty and variety of items that make this event a popular affair. Those who have not yet witnessed the madness of the festival are missing out something really special.
