Budget for Carnival celebrations in Goa slashed

Panaji, Feb 12 (PTI) Carnival celebrations in Goa thisyear have been marred with the state government making meagreallocation for the festivities forcing the organisers to lookfor sponsors.

Panaji Carnival Committee, headed by City Mayor CarolinaPo said that they have been sanctioned only Rs 4 lakh for theentire event including the famous float parade against Rs 25lakh last year.

He said that it is difficult to hold decent celebrationwith such meagre amount which has forced them to look out forsponsors.

Carnival festivities run for four days which include agrand float parade that wades through the main streets of thecity.

King Momo, a mythological character, orders a decree of''Eat, drink and be merry'' during the carnival festivities.

This year carnival is scheduled to be held from March 5.

Po said that the festival should be given due importanceas thousands of tourists arrive in Goa to see the celebration.

State Tourism Director Swapnil Naik said that though thebudget is slashed, the organising committees has been givenfree hand to look out for sponsors.