Goa Tourism Minister Flags off Carnival Float Parade

Panaji (Goa), Mar 2 (ANI): State Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar flagged off Carnival Float Parade at Miramar beach heralding the four-day long festivities.The Carnival festivities began in Goa on Saturday with thousands of people thronging the street along the Miramar to Dona Paula to watch the float-parade led by 'King Momo'.Talking to ANI, Ajgaonkar said: "King Momo has given a message - eat, drink be merry. Today the country is also moving ahead. Our bravehearts have also returned after demolishing Pakistan."The float of King Momo was themed on Sea God while King Momo William Anes read the decree asking people to keep the state clean. More than 65 floats participated in the parade. Before the starting of the parade, a look-alike of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stole the show. Several people were seen clicking selfies with him.He also said that 65 floats were participating this year.It was complemented by another participant, who was look-alike of Mahatma Gandhi, dressed in Dhoti. The carnival was brought to Goa by the Portuguese, who ruled the state for 450 years. Even after their departure, the tradition continues.The annual carnival in Goa is famous for its vibrant energy and the colourful processions that dominate the streets along with extravagant dance and music performances and masked parades that together represent the joyous nature of Goa and a lot of its Portuguese heritage. (ANI)

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