PONDA/QUEPEM: Even as Shigmotsav celebrations begin across the State today, the demands from artists and performers for the government to extend the time limit of the festivities at least by one hour, past the deadline of 10 pm, have only gotten louder.
While the folk dances and revelry associated with Shigmotsav traditionally extend well past midnight, the government has set a 10 pm deadline this year, within which the parades in all towns are expected to wind up,owing to the noise pollution rules being enforced lately.
The artists however fear these restrictions would turn their parade into a race against time, which will be an injustice to their talent and creativity.
Artists from Ponda said their float parade procession covers a one-kilometre distance. “The organisers have already declared that the judges will judge the parade from Tisk to Ponda Municipality, which is a distance of 500 metres, after which the parade will have to rush ahead, and this will be a disappointment to the hundreds of people gathered to watch,” they lamented.
At a press conference held in Curchorem, the members of All Goa Shigmotsav Committee said the time restriction must be relaxed, as Romtamel and Chitrarath performances cannot be completed before 10 pm.
“It takes at least two months to prepare for the Romtamel, and the expenses are also very high. The artists work very hard and practice at nights, after a full day’s work,” said Suraj Parab, demanding that the time limit should be extended at least till midnight. “If everyone does not get time to present their skills, what is the use of participating in Shigmotsav?” he asked
