Carnival Time in Goa

Unblievable but true, another update. I have just posted over 100 pictures that I have taken of the carnival here. There is another parade tomorrow, so I might even put a few more up. Since my page isn't quite finished here is the direct link:

http://www.fernweh.ch/khim/index_pages/kir_picture_index.htm

For some background; there has been real big controversy around here regarding who should be organizing the carnival. Apparently the traditional organizing committee had been challenged by another group and they have been fighting about it for weeks. The day before it started the challenger withdrew its opposition and the carnival could take place. Normal politics in India, apparently. Nevertheless, the turnout of the performance troops is smaller than it had been in previous years. Some locals attribute this to uncertainty.

The main difference to other Carnival celebrations which I have witnesse, Fastnacht in Switzerland, or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is that here most people are just spectators. They sit and watch while the carnival committees do all the dancing. Few people are dressed up or seem in the spirit of Carnival. I can only attribute it to the fact that it a Christian festival, and the spectators are of other religions? Not sure but it would explain the lack of enthusiasm. Of course I would expect many more Christians to take part..??