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GTDC’s Bonderam Cruise, a grand success
This year Goa Tourism Development Corporation
(GTDC) took the initiative to popularize the Bonderam
Festival at Divar amongst the tourists from all
over India. GTDC organized a special cruise from
Panaji to Old Goa. Tourists staying at various
GTDC residencies as well as locals availed of
this special cruise.
The Santa Monica launch was gaily decorated with
colourful flags to give it a festive Bonderam
look. The cruise set off at 3.30 pm from Santa
Monica Jetty, along Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
to dock at Old Goa Jetty. There was a lot of live
entertainment on board with a solo performance
by GTDC, Deputy General Manager, Administration,
A. T. Fernandes and DJ music to entertain the
guests. After Santa Monica docked at Old Goa,
the guests were taken across the river to the
island of Divar in the Old Goa ferry and picked
up by GTDC coaches to be carried to the festival
venue at Divar.
The tourists witnessed traditional celebration
of Bonderam Festival and enjoyed the float parade
and dance performances which depicted various
facets of Goan culture.
The organizers of the festival, Piedade Association
from Divar invited Francis Xavier Pacheco, Minister
for Tourism as the Chief Guest of the function.
Mrs. Pacheco, GTDC Managing Director, Sanjit Rodrigues,
Father Assis Dourado and Prasad Harmalkar, President
of Piedade Association were also present. Addressing
the gathering, Tourism Minister Pacheco praised
Piedade Association for organizing the event.
He assured them that the Ministry of Tourism will
always extend full cooperation for the age old
Bonderam Festival. Sanjit Rodrigues in his speech
extended support to popularize the traditional
event.
After the float parade the guests embarked on
Santa Monica for Panaji. Tourists enjoyed the
entertainment on board, and were also awarded
prizes for competitions held during the cruise.
After a delicious dinner on board, the cruise
came to an end.
The show on the cruise was compered by GTDC Manager
Travels, Armando Duarte. Prizes were awarded by
Deputy General Manager, Marketing, L. C. Kavlekar
in the presence of Marketing Executive, Ashton
Souza, and Public Relations Officer Deepak Narvekar.
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