Goa Tourism is set to woo tourists this year via a slew of festivals, starting with the Viva Carnaval 2014 that will commence on 1 March. Addressing the media at a press conference in Mumbai, Nikhil Desai, MD, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) stated that, Goa’s chequered history and multiculturalism are a matter of pride for the state, and festivals are a window into the Goan lifestyle.
The state’s first ever Cashew and Coconut Festival; the second edition of the Food and Cultural festival that was revived last year following a hiatus of nine years; and the Shigmo Festival, a celebration of Holi in Goa that features religious and cultural parades, will dot this calendar year.
Speaking about the importance of festivals in the state, Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, revealed that, the Viva Carnaval 2013 welcomed two lakh visitors, and the state is aiming for a footfall of three lakhs this year.
The event also saw actors Jackky Bhagnani and Neha Sharma, who star in the upcoming movie Youngistaan, speaking to the media about their experiences in Goa and association with the Carnaval. Youngistaan is the official movie partner for the Goa Carnaval 2014.
What sets the event apart this year is that it will feature street performances by musicians at various vantage points across the state, a King Momo contest and increased prize money.
