GTDC to organise Sao Joao feast on June 24

Panaji, June 22: As part of the 'Monsoon promotional campaign' to popularise local festival, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is organising a day-long cruise on board Santa Moniica on the occasion of 'Sao Joao' Feast June 24.

The GTDC, Chairman Ms Fatima D'Sa while speaking to mediapersons here yesterday said the feast is celebrated with joy and mirth by young and old men wearing crowns (Copels) of tender coconut leaves (Bhillo Maad), jumping into the swollen wells to commemorate Saint John, the Baptist's 'leap of joy' in his mother Elizabeth's womb, when her cousin 'Mother Mary' greeted her.

Ms D'sa said the cruise will leave Jetty in the morning in the Mandovi river along old Goa, Chorao and Diwar island and return in the evening. There will be plenty of excitement on the boat with a live band playing sensational music.

''If there is no rain on that particular day we will arrange artificial rain on cruise boats and also expert divers will be arranged to entertain the tourists, the chairman added.

She said the tickets are priced at Rs 325 per person and Rs 600 per couple. Children above 6 years and below 12 years will be charged Rs 200 each. The ticket holders will be served light morning snackes and buffet lunch followed by evening tea. A lucky entrant will be entitled to a 3 nights and 4 days' holiday package at Miramar Residency.

There will be lots of prizes for those who participate in splash dance, lime dance and coconut breaking. Local folk dances will be the added attraction.

A 15 per cent discount will be offered on rooms at GTDC hotels on the day for all Sao Joao cruise ticket holders.

UNI