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In pix: The stories behind the colourful floats of Goa carnival

February 13, 2018 15:47 IST

Reuben NV attended the Goa Carnival in Panjim this year and came back with these photographs.

The annual carnival in Goa, which was first introduced by the Portuguese, who ruled the state for more than 500 years, started on February 10 at Panjim, Goa.

It moved on to Margao and Ponda on February 11, Vasco and Curchorem on February 12, Mapusa and Morjim on February 13.

It's celebrated here since the 18th century and calls for fun and merry making before the season of Lent begins.

Lent is observed as a time of abstinence and spiritual preparation before Easter by Christians.

Here are some interesting floats from Panjim.

goa carnival

State tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar (in white shirt) and the Mayor of Panjim Surendra Furtado (red shirt) flagged off the festival.
All photographs: Reuben NV

 

goa carnival

King Momo read out an oath and declared the parade open.
Every year, a person from the state is chosen to play King Momo -- a mythological character that symbolically rules the state.
Bruno Azaredo, 57, from Utorda village in South Goa, was been selected to play the role, this year.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

An enthusiastic visitor frames King Momo in her selfie.

 

 

goa carnival

The first ones to follow King Momo's float were the Goa police. They welcomed tourists, requested people not to drink and drive, and say no to drugs.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

Next came in the Goa Fire Department. They spread awareness on fire safety and told people not to use mobile phones while charging it.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

Tourists from all over flocked to Goa to attend the carnival.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

This family claiming to be the Royal family of Mapusa (written on the car top) came in a not-so-designer car.
The car parts were decorated with tyre rims, bamboo and tumbler (check out the tyres) among other things.

 

goa carnival 2018

Painted in silver, this man took on a potter's role.

 

goa carnival 2018

These children danced to the flower song.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

Farming is a primary occupation in the state.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

Here, King Kong is shown fighting a snake.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

People dressed as former US President Obama, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and US president Donald Trump were also part of the parade.

 

goa carnival 2018

Viva San Joao means Feast of San Joao.
The feast of St John, the Baptist is celebrated on June 24. On this day, young men around Goa jump into wells to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

This Alladin was telling his genie to give peace and happiness to everyone who had gathered there.

 

goa carnival 2018

These fisherwomen promoted Goa’s staple food -- fish curry.

 

goa carnival 2018

A young fan wanted to photograph the predator.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

This clown was pointing out the ills of gambling in society.

 

 

goa carnival 2018

Visitors poured in large numbers to view the floats and take part in the festivities.

Reuben NV