Team Herald
PONDA: With the State government cancelling the Shigmo parades in Panjim, Mapusa and Margao due to rising COVID-19 cases, the artists and artistes have expressed disappointment for not getting a chance to display their floats and Romtamel.
Both the artists and artistes were upset that they would not able to display their art through floats and Romtamel, for which they had to prepare three months in advance. At least 25 groups in Ponda were preparing for the floats and Romtamel, and now worried how to recover the cost.
“If the government want to pay compensation then it should be within months,” said an artist.
Several artists and artistes had gathered on Friday evening at Ponda Kranti Maidan to express their plight after the government cancelled the Shigmo.
Kishan Naik said, “We are making the floats on mythological concepts, the aim is not to make money but to show their art, talent and purely entertain the public.” The public appreciation for their art is the greatest thing and satisfaction for them but they missed it due to COVID-19 pandemic.
MGP leader Ketan Bhatikar, who was present, supported the demand of the artists and artistes.
Both, the artists and artistes gathered at Kranti Maidan demanded that the government though declared to pay compensation, it should be paid within a certain time frame as it help them to clear the money borrowed for making floats or dresses for Romtamel.
Naik said, “The making of one float cost artists around Rs 3 lakh and around 30 members spent their three months time on preparations.”
He pointed out that last year their troupe bagged a prize at Savordem but despite repeated rounds with the concerned department, the prize money is still not yet given to them.
