Carnival revived By: Janaki Fernandes Six years after the Bajrang Dal disrupted a New Year’s party in suburban Borivli, residents have decided to revive the traditional Carnival celebration this weekend.
The Carnival celebration that was held since 1982 in the I C Colony area, was discontinued in 1999 after the trouble by the Bajrang Dal over the deadline for the New Year bash. But with the change of regime in the state and at the centre, residents have reason to celebrate again. ‘‘We need an occasion to bring people together and the Carnival seems like the perfect way,’’ explained Raju Pullan one of the organisers. Even the recent attack by Shiv Sainiks on a Valentine’s Day party in Nalasopara does not bother the organisers. The Carnival celebration falls ahead of the month-long season of fasting and repentance for Christians that culminates in the remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The I C Colony Citizens Forum, an umbrella association of sports clubs, residents associations and charitable groups in the area, have come together to revive the festivities. The focus of the celebration will be a procession through the area with groups organising floats on various themes. full text at: http://web.mid-day.com/news/city/2006/february/131546.htm Edward Verdes