India, Nov. 20 -- The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India begins in Goa from Thursday for the first time without a formal inaugural ceremony, which will instead be replaced by a float parade in Panaji.

South Asia's only International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (FIAPF) accredited festival, spread across nine days from November 20th to 28th, will feature 240 films from 81 countries

"For the first time, IFFI will welcome its audience with a 'moving' celebration. This year, instead of an opening ceremony a grand parade will mark the opening of the festival. It will be open to everyone," Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.

According to the organisers, the parade will be led by the state tableaus of An...