VIVA CARNIVAL 🎭

                      🎭 GOAN CARNIVAL  🎭

                         

Carnival in Goa, is one of the most happening carnivals, not just in the country, but also across Asia. It is believed that the carnival is celebrated at the end of the winter season to consume the stocked up winter food supplies before it decays. The celebrations also come as an opportunity to indulge in drinking and eating that is prohibited during the Lent month. The carnival is celebrated before Lent – the month that marks fasting as a part of religious observance for 40 days.     

In the list of festivals in Goa, The Goa Carnival is celebrated with immense brio and fervour. Every year, the carnival is thrown open to the masses by King Momo in Panaji. Now if you must wonder if that’s the gentleman bringing momos to you! You’re wrong! A ‘King Momo’ in Latin American festivals is considered to be the king of carnivals. His appearance marks the beginning of all carnival revelry and festivities. King Momo represents the dictum of “Eat, Drink and Make Merry!” There are cultural competitions of singing, dancing and acting. Judges from other states watch the performances and rate them. The best act receives an award on the last day of the carnival! Further, the guests are kept entertained with snacks and drinks to poise them for the grand carnival!               

During the Goa Carnival, you can either cheer away with the crowd, participate in various hearty sports competitions, try the typical Feni – a drink made of cashews, gorge on lip-smacking Goan delicacies or be a part of DJ Nights and stirring fashion shows! The local bistros and cafes also prepare a delectable fish dish for the masses that just cannot be missed! As the people of the state, use the time of autumn to clean out their kitchens, all folks dine outside, and the eateries are open all through the night on the days of the carnival.The Goa Carnival Floats are one of the gorgeous things in the Goa Carnival! Just like the Republic Day tableau, the floats look ornate and are decorated with elegant styles. The Carnival floats denote biblical, and nursery tales and there are contests for the best-looking floats.

One of the specialities of the Goa Carnival festival is a single act folk play called ‘Khell’ or Fell that exudes beguiling colours. Held during the carnival in Chandor, it showcases actors roaming through the village singing Fella-Gitam or the Intruzachim Geetam. This is accompanied with soulful musical instruments in the backdrop. The sound of ghumats – a percussion of Goa, coupled with the beating of the drum, the tune of the violin and cymbals, infuse the air with an uncanny serenity! The rib-crackling ‘Fell’ is known for its satirical and scathing censure meant to mend human follies.

Another striking feature of the Viva Carnival entails the Red and Black Dance. If dancing is your first love and you do not mind the ever-growing frenzy of the crowds, then garb your finest red and black apparel, wear your mask and just party away with the crowds. The Red and Black Ball gives way to some beautiful moves and is followed by the crowning of King Momo.