|
 Along
with its beaches, Goa is equally famous for its carnival.
Carnival of Goa is so popular that it is the most eagerly
awaited event both by the locals as well as the tourists.
Carnival is derived from the Portuguese word 'Carnaval',
which means 'to take away meat'. It is a the commencement
of the period of 40 days of fasting of Lent. During
this period abstinence from meat is mandatory.
Introduced by the Portuguese in the 18th century,
Carnival in Goa is a three-day festival and is celebrated
mainly by the Christians. It has, in the course of time,
absorbed some of the Hindu traditions and has crossed
the boundaries of the state or religion. People from
all over the country visit Goa especially during this
period to participate in the carnival.
The carnival is held in the month of February. The
carnival in Goa normally begins on Sabado Gordo, i.e.,
Fat Saturday and concludes on Shrove Tuesday, i.e.,
Fat Tuesday. Continuously for three days and nights,
Momo, the legendary king takes over the state. The streets
become live and vibrant with dance and music and looks
riotous in various color. Carnival in Goa is the time
for feast, drinks and celebration before the beginning
of the 40 days of Lent. Huge promenades are organized
throughout the state with live performances of bands
and dances all night long on the streets of Goa. Grand
balls are held in the evenings. The carnival in Goa
ends withthe famous Red-and-Black Dance held by the
Clube National in Panjim on the closing day.
The people of Goa begin preparations for the carnival
from late December only. They  compose and rehearse short
plays consisting of song, music and dance to be enacted
during the carnival. The plays are generally related
to history and are enacted only by men. They perform
the roles of women as well and are dressed in bright
colorful costumes and headgears.
The carnival is not celebrated anywhere else in India.
It had come to decline even in Goa in the last few years
of Portuguese rule. The carnival of Goa was revived
after the Liberation to attract more tourism. |
Bharti