Goa, Feb. 20 -- The Goan Carnival, a festival with roots in Portuguese colonial history, is one of the most anticipated events in the region's cultural calendar. This year, it will kick off on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, signaling the start of a four-day celebration that blends Goan traditions with influences from around the world. The carnival is held in various towns and villages across the state, with the heart of the celebration centered around Panjim, the capital city.

As the days leading up to the carnival approach, the streets of Goa start to come alive. Shops decorate their windows with colorful masks, feathers, and lights. The vibrant costumes and accessories are being put together, and the smell of festive food fills the ...