It is widely considered that the practice of Carnival had its beginnings in connection with observation of Lent. The six weeks preceding directly the day of Easter is marked as the Lenten period in the Liturgical year Church calendar. The period was observed with fasting and other practices which were of pious or penitential nature. No instances of revelry like parties or other celebrations were organised during the period of Lent, traditionally. Rich foods like meat, dairy, fats and sugar were taboo and people abstained from eating them. The forty days of Lent was modelled on the accounts in Gospel that Jesus spent in the wilderness for forty days. It stood for an annual period of turning. So the connection with Carnival is that all the rich food and drink had to be disposed of, in the days before Lent. This need entailed in a huge party being held involving the whole community when all the rich food and drink are consumed. This is considered the origin of Carnival.
In India, Carnival in Goa is celebrated on grand proportions. In the Goa, the Carnival is called 'Intruz'. Intruz originated from the Portuguese word "Entrudo" which is a name concurrent with Carnival. In the state of Goa, Carnival is celebrated in various places. Out of these, the largest takes place in the city of Panaji. As in other parts of the world, Carnival in Goa is celebrated in February. It lasts for three days and nights with continuous revelry. During the Carnival, the state is taken over by the legendary King Momo. The Carnival gets inaugurated, when on the opening day King Momo orders his subjects to party and party hard and fine. The streets, in these days are on fire with rhythmic music and resplendent colour. Throughout the state mammoth parades with musical bands, graceful dances, beautiful floats are taken out throughout the night on the streets marked by continuous festivity that never stops while the strumming of guitars resonate through the atmosphere. In the evenings grand balls are also held.
Out of the Indian Carnival the Goan one is the one of more tourism importance. Goa as a culture is one that revels in festivals. Many colourful feasts and festivals are celebrated in Goa routinely. Out of these, the Goa Carnival is eagerly awaited as an event. The Goa Carnival is exclusive and unique to its place and was introduced by Portuguese. It is the legacy of them who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years.