Legacy of Merriment at 'Festa Do Carnaval' in Bangalore

Vinod Lobo

Bangalore, Feb 16: Are you in Bangalore and missing the Goa Carnival? Not to worry, the Karnataka Goan Association has organized it for you here in Bangalore. At the Indian Gymkhana Grounds, Cox Town, Bangalore on February 18 Goa will come alive with all its fun and frolic; music and dance at the “Festa Do Carnaval”

Kingfisher is the main sponsor of this annual event. This year TVS and Advaith Hyundai have also become sponsors of this ever growing popular party.

The Goa Carnival is synonymous with the state of Goa and is the manifestation of the quintessential fun-loving spirit of Goan's at its sublime best. Largely a legacy of the Portuguese era, the Goa Carnival has transcended the confines of its religious roots. The Carnival is a celebration of merry making and feasting before the beginning of the period of Lent which is a time of sacrifice and prayer.

The Karnataka Goan Association prepares for this colorful extravaganza well in advance. Preparations include an elaborate procession of floats (tableaux) and dances in a riot of colours and merriment. This year the floats has a participation of nearly 120 members both from the Goan and the Mangalorean Associations and will have tiny tots to senior citizens dressed in vibrant, colourful costumes depicting Goan culture and themes from countries like Brazil & Portugal where the Carnival has originated from. It will surely be a wonderful sight to behold!

Expected attendance is between 800 to1000 from the Karnataka Goan Association, the Kanara Catholic Association and the Catholic Club members.

“This year, with one of Goa’s leading Bands A26 in attendance, Goan food from Opus (the Goan hotspot in Bangalore), free flowing spirits from UB, the awesome colourful floats and the crowd dressed in keeping with the theme “Colors of Fire” Red & Orange, the Goa Carnival promises to be a Spectacular Event in the Bangalore Calendar,” said Adele Britto, President of the Karnataka Goan Association.”

The Karnataka Goan Association is a registered body having membership of all those people who hail from Goa; primarily to keep the culture, language and traditions alive. In addition, the objective of the Association is to help the community at large and those who need help for education and for extending support to the elderly. We also contribute to various deserving and charitable causes for the upliftment of society.

ADVANCE RATES:

Members - Rs 250
Member's Guest Couple - Rs 1000
Member's Guest Lady - Rs 400
Member Lady and Guest Gent - Rs 750
Child (5 - 12 years) - Rs 100
Table - Rs 200

GATE RATES:

Members - Rs 400
Member's Guest Couple - Rs 1500
Member's Guest Lady - Rs 600
Member Lady and Guest Gent - Rs 1000
Child (5 - 12 years) - Rs 100
Table - Rs 200

Advance ticket sales close on February 16 at 8 pm sharp.

Member ticket rates are applicable for KGA, KCA and Catholic Club Members. Tickets available with all committee members and with Lusitania Mosque Road.

For further information contact goans@kgabangalore.com.