As the vibrant colours of Carnival celebrations paint towns across Goa, one major town finds itself excluded for the second consecutive year and that is not just sad but speaks of how the tradition is slowly fading off.
Ponda, known for its lively and enthusiastic participation in Carnival festivities, has been conspicuously absent from the annual revelry.
The absence of a float parade for the past two years has left Ponda’s residents disheartened and questioning the government’s commitment to preserving local traditions. Let us delve into the significance of the Carnival in Ponda, the community’s discontent, and the need for concerted efforts to revive this cherished tradition.
The absence of a float parade for the past two years has left Ponda’s residents disheartened and questioning the government’s commitment to preserving local traditions.
Ponda's Carnival tradition
For over a decade, Ponda has been a hub of Carnival festivities, with its residents actively participating in and organising the much-anticipated float parade.
The town’s unique cultural identity, coupled with the creativity and talent of its people, made the Carnival an integral part of Ponda’s social calendar. Thousands of locals, young and old, would come together to revel in the spirit of Carnival, showcasing the town’s vibrant culture and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse communities.
If we remember, in 2019, Ponda’s Carnival parade had the topic of ‘receding Goem-Goemkarponn’, which highlighted the issue of migrants adopting native Goan names. The parade had 26 tableaux and 19 clowns, led by Edmond Godinho as Ponda’s King Momo.
A group named ‘Better Ponda’ staged a tableau with the subject ‘Tumi Amka Goenkar Keli’ (you made us Goans), addressing the tendency of migrants to adopt Goan names and denouncing politicians for their avarice.
If we remember, in 2019, Ponda’s Carnival parade had the topic of ‘receding Goem-Goemkarponn’, which highlighted the issue of migrants adopting native Goan names.
Three tableaus, ‘Madancho Faido’ by Curtorim, ‘Goenche Maad’ by Xavier Baretto, and ‘Save Coconut Tree’ by a Bethora family, emphasised the significance of conserving the coconut tree. Some floats focused on the issue of water, with ‘Ponda Boys’ offering a tableau titled ‘It's Possible’, which addressed water shortages and the dangers of pouring plastic into the ocean.
The Carnival void
However, for the past two years, the streets of Ponda have missed the colourful floats, lively music, and infectious energy that define Carnival celebrations.
The absence of government support, both in terms of funding and organisational efforts, has resulted in a void that the residents feel keenly. This void is not just a gap in the annual calendar but a loss of tradition, cultural expression and community bonding that the Carnival uniquely brings to Ponda.
The absence of government support, both in terms of funding and organisational efforts, has resulted in a void that the residents feel keenly.
The residents of Ponda are understandably upset and feel a sense of injustice. While other towns like Panjim, Porvorim and Mapusa revel in the Carnival spirit, Ponda remains neglected.
Locals questioned the decision-making process that excluded their town from the festivities, especially when Ponda has been a key player in Carnival celebrations for years. The absence of a float parade has not only dampened the spirits of the people but also raised concerns about the preservation of Ponda’s rich cultural heritage.
In response to the growing discontent, Agriculture Minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik has assured that efforts are underway to restart the Carnival in Ponda. He acknowledges the significance of the Carnival to the town’s identity and cultural heritage.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude also expressed his commitment to reinstating the Carnival in Ponda, highlighting the festival’s role in uniting people from diverse backgrounds. But is the assurance enough? Because the trend of not giving much attention to the Ponda Carnival has been there for some time now.
In response to the growing discontent, Agriculture Minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik has assured that efforts are underway to restart the Carnival in Ponda.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically played a part in disrupting public gatherings in Ponda, causing concerns beyond global health issues and the lack of government grants has strained Carnival parade funding, exacerbating community frustration.
We need to understand, that although the Carnival is now commercialised, it is more than just a spectacle; it is a celebration of tradition, creativity and unity.
Ponda’s Carnival has been a testament to the town’s cultural richness and diversity, providing a platform for locals to showcase their talent and artistic expression.
Beyond the economic benefits that come with increased tourism during the Carnival, the festival plays a pivotal role in strengthening the social fabric of Ponda.
Ponda’s Carnival has been a testament to the town’s cultural richness and diversity, providing a platform for locals to showcase their talent and artistic expression.
Call to action
As the residents of Ponda eagerly await the return of their cherished Carnival, the government must take swift and decisive action. The promises made by ministers to restart the Carnival must translate into concrete plans, with allocated funds and logistical support.
The tradition that Ponda started in 2007 should not be allowed to fade away due to financial constraints or administrative oversights.
The absence of the Carnival in Ponda for the past two years is not just a loss of festivities but a blow to the town’s cultural identity and community spirit. The residents’ discontent is a reflection of their deep-rooted connection to this tradition and their desire to see it thrive.
It is now incumbent upon the government to turn promises into actions, ensuring that Ponda’s Carnival not only returns but flourishes, preserving the town’s cultural heritage and fostering unity among its people.
In the spirit of King Momo’s call to eat, drink, and be merry, let Ponda reclaim its place in the Carnival festivities, celebrating tradition and unity with the rest of Goa.
