By Rupesh Samant

Panaji, Feb 22: Several thousand people flocked at picturesque road along River Mandovi in the capital city to witness Carnival Float parade on Saturday.

The float of mythological figure King Momo who hold reigns in the state for four days heralded the parade which travelled three kilometers distance to culminate near Kala Academy in the city.

The entire D B Bandodkar road, named after first chief minister of the state, was flooded with the revelers.

The parade is an annual feature organised by State Tourism Department in association with the local Carnival committee.

Shalom Sardinha, a lawyer by profession, has been selected as the King Momo for Carnival 2020 who will be participating in all the float parades across Goa for next four days, culminating on February 25.

The parade was flagged off by State tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar in presence of several other dignitaries.

Other floats depicting Goa’s rich culture were also part of the float parade that went on for almost four hours on Saturday evening.

The participants of the parade also included martial artists demonstrating their skills on the street and also various decorated cars.

Talking to reporters, before the float parade, Sardinha, the King Momo, said that the year is dedicated for drug free Goa.

“Say no to drugs. And when you drink (liquor), be responsible in drinking. Be safe and also let others be safe,” he said.

Sardinha said that the response for the float parade has been encouraging as people had lined up since afternoon, much before it was flagged off.

The parade in Margao town would be held on Sunday followed by other places including Mapusa, Morjim, Quepem and Curchorem.