THE CARNIVAL

Goa is said to be a very nice and cool place to visit. Through its unity and flow of population, Goa has always a reason to celebrate. The festivals of Goa have their unique charm.

Goa Carnival is the eagerly awaited festival of Goa which is usually held for 3 to 4 days. This festival was first started in Goa in the year 1961. It wascelebrated by King Momo, one of the legendry Chaos kings of the state and is one of the Portuguese festivals. Since the state was under control of different Portuguese rulers for more than 500 years, this festival reflects some of the Portuguese lifestyle.

However, nowadays, people from different caste and religion celebrate as well as participate in this festival. This Goan festival has derived its meaning from the Latin word ‘Carnival’, which means ‘to throw away meat’. So the one of the strict rules of this festival of Goa is to keep oneself from meat during the carnival days. Earlier, the festival was celebrated within the locals of the state but now it has crossed the state borders and attracts thousands of people all over the world.

This festival is celebrated before the starting of ‘Lent’ which is believed to be the time when Lord Jesus Christ spent 40 days in wilderness. During the period of Lent, people are not supposed to consume meat, fats or dairy products.

Goa carnival include different kinds of celebration like singing, dancing drinking, feasting etc. All major streets of the state are decorated with wonderful colors and floats. This big bash represents the tradition and culture of Goa in a unique way. The Carnival is authorized over by ‘King Momo’, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party.

Many colorful floats roll on the streets and a huge amount of crowd gathers to see it. Many acrobats, clowns, dancers and some people in different costumes are seen performing.

Being a mixture of local as well as Portuguese culture, this carnival is known for spreading joy and happiness. One must spend their holidays in Goa to experience the awesome Goa Carnival as the exciting and fun-filled days is uniquely Goan and not celebrated anywhere else in India.