Carnival In Goa

Although introduced by the Portuguese who ruled this territory for over 50 years, from 1510 to 1961, the three-day festival primarily celebrated by Christians, has absorbed Hindu tradition-bound revelry and western dance forms, and stimulated by the artistry of the Goan genius turned into a pageantry of singular effervescence.

Among the various colourful feasts and festivals that Goa celebrates -with great eclat, Carnaval and Shigmo are the most famous, awaited by the population with intense enthusiasm. Unlike 'Shigmo' which is also celebrated in some parts of India, although under different appellations, Carnaval is Goa's own, unique, and the Union Territorys contribution to India's other expressions at untrammelled revelry. The participation of the Goa Government and the Municipal Councils in it and the post-liberation introduction of the King Momo and his colourful procession have endowed Carnival with a new dimenion and it is bound to attract more people every year to this territory.