Selected floats in Goa carnival to get financial assistance

Aiming to improve the quality of floats taking part in the annual carnival in the state, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), under a European Commission-funded project, will provide financial assistance of Rs one lakh each to at least 20 floats.
A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle like a truck or towed behind one, which is a component of a festive parade.
GTDC is working on the project titled 'Destination Carnival' in association with Brouhaha International, an organisation based in Liverpool, United Kingdom and Cape Town Carnival from South Africa. Goa holds the flamboyant carnival in February every year.

"Scores of people visit Goa to witness the carnival which is a very special event. Hence, our endeavour is to motivate float designers to come forth with creative and original ideas so that the floats become attractive, with good designs and good performances in keeping with the themes," Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said.
"It is very encouraging to see that we now have international sponsorship to help improve on carnival floats, performances and so on," he added.
As part of the project, applications have been invited from interested participants, artistes and float fabricators. As per the guidelines, the float participants will have to take part in the float parades held across all four cities in Goa - Panaji, Margao, Mapusa and Vasco.

The applicants seeking assistance will have to submit the sketch of float specifications, concept and design, and will thereafter be shortlisted by a panel. Those shortlisted will be called for a presentation before the selection committee and the selected floats will be sanctioned the grants thereafter.

Another aspect of the 'Destination Carnival' project is
to provide opportunity to some artistes from Goa to travel to UK and South Africa to take lessons in carnival management.
Brouhaha International and Cape Town Carnival would facilitate training of the Goan artistes in Liverpool and Cape Town respectively, where they will be familiarised with best practices of carnival management

The GTDC has invited applications from carnival artists and dance performers between the age group of 18 and 30 years in this regard.
"The objective is to help build capacity and equip the artists with the necessary skills," Parulekar said.
The GTDC is in the process of appointing selection committee that will meet this month to scrutinise all the applications seeking financial grants and for participation of Goan youth in the exchange programmes.