Panjim dances to Carnival beats

For the first time, Panjimites witnessed an addition to the regular Goa Carnival 2023 parade which took place in Panaji on February 18. The parade witnessed a chopper along with eye-catching floats and dance troupes. The Goa Carnival 2023 was unveiled, leading with the King Momo floats. From cultural and traditional floats to film characters to social messages to focusing on protecting the wild – this year's floats touched upon many topics. The vibe and feel of the carnival attracted people from all over, among them was Sagarika Singh and her husband who came to Goa to celebrate their honeymoon and also attend the festival. “We had heard about the carnival from our friends in Delhi, who had been here before, so they asked us to travel on days which coincide with carnival dates. We got to know a little more about Goa, than just a tourist destination,” says Sagarika.Film characters like Jake Sully and Kiri Sully from the film , and Groot from the film were a part of the Carnival. One of the characteristics of the carnival is that people tap on their creative side.Socially relevant messages are best accepted among the public is when they are portrayed in a fun manner. ‘Don’t drink and drive, save trees, don’t litter, avoid chewing and tobacco and respect the farmer’ were some of the messages on a floatOne of the unique floats published on eating Ragi and how it helps in maintaining sickness awayA lion, elephants , save the froggies were a part of the floats. Dressed as frogs, they danced and invited people to join the troupe which entertained the revellersKeeping the traditions alive Traditional occupational floats also made locals and tourists aware of the works that were being done – like salt making, bread making, fishing, farming and more