Evelyn Siqueira
The Bonderam festival opened with the traditional flag march.
The flag march was followed by a fancy dress competition, which included a children's as well as a senior category.
A smartly dressed traditional brass band added festive tunes to the occasion.
These children depicted the wonderful fruits and vegetables of Goa.
One of the floats focused on rice and fields, and was replete with a scarecrow, which is a common sight in fields. Also seen were traditional Goan cooking utensils.
With so many floats to choose from, the judges definitely had a daunting task ahead of them.
These participants depicted popular attire used by Goans back in the day.
A woman carries a nostalgic signboard, followed by young 'uns dressed as paddy.
Goan Catholic festivals and celebrations would be incomplete without dancing.
A float depicting Goa's Sao Joao feast.
A participant wearing a 'copel' (floral wreath) on her head, holds a glass of 'feni', a local variety of alcohol.
Replicas of famous landmarks and monuments of Goa stood majestically atop another float
Participants in colonial 'Corridinho' costume performed Portuguese-Goan dances.
This version of the Viceroy's Arch, Old Goa, looks a lot like the real thing.
The traditional Goan 'Mando' was the theme of these cuties
Goa's fruits (papaya, pineapple, breadfruit etc), in locally-made baskets, carried by travelling vendors, were also on display.
More traditional dances...
Kids, dressed as fruits, were also part of the revellery.
Goa's wealth of fruits was showcased in this float.
A typical Goan Catholic wedding was part of the float parade.
Traditional Goan occupations, and clothes to match, were also highlighted.