People join carnival in Goa with colourful pageantry

Tourists from India and across the world thronged Goa and took part in a four-day carnival, which saw a blend of food, music and dance.

The 'Viva Carnival 2014', which will go on till March 4, began on a colourful note during which people danced to traditional tunes.

The carnival was declared open by 'King Momo' and led the float parade through the streets of Panjim city amid huge crowds.

People in the parade got a glimpse of Goan culture and tradition and were spellbound by float parade, accompanied by dance performances and fashion shows.

Tourism Minister of Goa, Dilip Parulekar, expressed his happiness and said that the state witnessed huge gathering for the first time.

"Hotels are jam packed. For the first time we have witnessed so many people in Goa,"said Parulekar.

Large tableaux with numerous floats that depicted environment, music, culture, traditions of Goa saw young and old, enjoying themselves and having a fun filled experience by dancing to the pulsating beats from Goan bands.

Foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists participated while merry making; wore colourful clothes, wigs and masks to remember state's Portuguese legacy once ruled by the Iberians.

Member of Panaji Carnival Committee, Joaquim Teles, said Goa offers subcontinent's only carnival due to the strong influence of the Portuguese, who ruled over this state for five hundred years.

"The first carnival here was during the first wide Portuguese region. Then after liberation, carnival started unofficially in 1964, officially started in 1967 till 2006 and from 2007 onwards, all this has been commercialised," said Teles.

People savoured various dishes that were available at the festival and were entertained by some spectacular performances by artists from India and abroad.

Goa Tourism is urging people to be the part of the festivities and participate in large numbers in the event.