February is carnival time in Goa. For three days and nights it is all lively processions, floats and non-stop festivity.
It was introduced by the Portuguese – a rowdy celebration in which flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, mud, sand-filled gloves along with dirty water, various liquids and glue were aimed at passersby. Used kitchen utensils were also thrown out of windows, perhaps to discard the old before the Lenten fast.
The legendary king Momo – the King of Chaos takes over the state and gaiety prevails. The carnival is a feasting-drinking-merry making extravaganza before the austere 40 days of Lent. It concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panjim.
The origins of carnival are probably Pagan in nature, of ancient Roman and Grecian vintage. The Goan carnival is also called Intruz and culminates in a parade on Fat Tuesday. In the villages you will see a different face of the fest. You will find local youths dancing in front of the main cross of the vaddo, to the beat of drums around an oil lamp, singing songs about their ancestors. The tempo of the drum speeds up and feni flows. Some gets into a trance…….. Local Konkani influence includes replacing of dirty water with colored powder and water similar to Holi. That is India – sincerely yours.
In 2011, Goa Carnival is celebrated for 3 Days from 5th March – 8th March (Saturday – Tuesday)
Do not miss to explore the Incredible India travel and celebrate at Goa Carnival (Goa the hottest travel destination of India.) before you enjoy the ICC World Cup 2011 Cricketing Carnival in India. ……….. Toshali Tours and Travels is a travel management company and tour operator recognised and approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa. For More details on Reservation and Accommodation for the Goa Carnival, Incredible India tour package visit at http://bit.ly/fUoIQH …….. You can also contact your Travel Consultant “Metu” atmetu@toshali.in for HELP with your travel and accomodation when you are in India during the ICC WorldCup 2011