Goans in Bangalore Paint the Town Red, Literally!
Report: Melisha Noronha
Pics: Vinod Lobo
Bangalore, Feb 20: The Karnataka Goan Association (KGA) celebrated the “Goa Carnaval” on Saturday February 18 at the Indian Gymkhana Grounds, Cox Town, Bangalore.
The Goan Carnival is one of the biggest events in Goa and the KGA each year brings in the spirit of the carnival to all who are away from their homeland.
The Carnival is a tradition and celebration of merry making and feasting before the beginning of the period of Lent which is a time of sacrifice and prayer.
The KGA carnival was the place to be! Guests were asked to come dressed in colours of red and orange for this colourful extravaganza.
This time around there were five floats spanning across various age groups all dressed in vibrant, colourful costumes depicting the Goan culture and themes from countries like Brazil & Portugal where the carnival has its roots. The groups included children (10 yrs and below); Pre-Teens (11-15 yrs); Youth (16-27 yrs); Adults (28-59 yrs) and Evergreens (60 yrs and above).
Each floats was unique and had a theme to boast of. From themes such as Big Fat Wedding to Save Wildlife to Goa, the floats were very impressive for the sheer grandeur they exuded.
Members from the Karnataka Goan Association, the Kanara Catholic Association and the Catholic Club Members formed a majority of the audience who danced to the music of A26, a renowned band specifically called in from Goa.
The Goans know to party and how! The organizers had various attractive prizes to give away to best dressed participants, best dancers, best Couple and so on. With masks on their faces and other carnival wear, the guests had a frolicking time dancing till the party ended.
Dinner vouchers, holidays, gift hampers were up for grabs along with bumper prizes of two wheelers sponsored by TVS, one of the sponsors at the event. Kingfisher has been the main sponsor for this event through the years.
Goa is also known for its mouthwatering food. And the organizers ensured that all the Goan delicacies were available for the guests. From tangy Goan Sausages to Chicken Xacuti and the famous Pork Sorpotel…there was lots to please the tummy. The food arrangements were done by Opus, a leading restaurant in Bangalore.
About KGA: The Karnataka Goan Association (KGA) is a registered body having membership of all those people who hail from Goa; primarily to keep the culture, language and traditions alive.