SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
Team Herald
The much-awaited Goa Shigmotsav festival dates are here. The spectacular fourteen-day festival of colours, the “Shigmotsav” festival”, is set to kick off from 24th March and continue till 8th April. It is one of the biggest festivals for the Hindus. This festival is celebrated in several towns, to attract more tourism.
The fourteen days lone shigmotsav festivals is set to start from 24th March and continue till 8th April. Many towns host processions that feature both contemporary and traditional floats. Shigmo festivities also feature various dances like Ghode-Morni (horse dance), Fugdi, and Rommatamel. This year, the colourful festival is set to begin from March 24th until 8th April. The centres for the Shigmo float parade are set in Ponda on 26th march 2024, Calangute 27th march, Sanquelim 28th march, Valpoi 29 march,Panaji 30th march, Porvorim 31st march,pernem & Bicholim 1st April ,Cancona 2nd April, Vasco 3rd April, Shiroda & Curchorem 4th April, Quepem & Dharbandora 5th April, Margao 6th April, Mapusa& Sanguem 7th April and Cuncolim on 8th April. These floats comprise traditional folk dances, street dancers and floats depicting religious scenes.
The Shigmo festival starts with Holi and spans fourteen days, from the 9th moon day to the full moon day. Highlighted by meticulously crafted floats showcasing Goa's culture, it begins with village songs and homage, followed by bathing and dressing the village deity on the first day. The fifth day, known as Rang Panchmi, features extensive use of traditional red powder called Gulal. Processions take place from this day onward, including dances and Gulal sprinkling in temple areas, marking a joyous celebration.
During Shigmo, locals dress in colourful attire and participate in street parades, wielding large coloured flags, artificial swords, and other festive items. Some dress as traditional maharajas or soldiers. Street musicians play traditional instruments like dhol, tasha, and flute, adding to the lively atmosphere.
