Team Herald
PANJIM: The Chief Electoral Office has allayed apprehensions surrounding the upcoming Shigmo festival claiming the annual traditional event will continue as per the scheduled dates despite code of conduct in force. However, election observers will keep a close watch to ensure the float parade spanning over 15 days do not violate the guidelines of the code.
“It is an annual State event. It is people’s event and not a political show. But we will observe every detail of the event (including the float parades) to ascertain it does not have any political touch and no attempts are made to lure the voters,” Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said giving a clear indication that the event is on.
Much before the Election Commission of India announced the dates for the Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, the State government, on January 18 had declared the dates for Shigmotsav. The festival is usually celebrated in the month of Phalgun wherein meticulously crafted floats and folk dances are the highlight.
Tourism Director Sanjiv Gadkar, when contacted by Herald, confirmed that the event will continue. “It is an annual event,” he said. The officer, to a question if special permission will be sought owing to the code already in force, denied the same stating that dates were declared prior to the code.
The float parade will begin from Ponda on March 21 followed by Dharbandora (March 22), Panjim (March 23), Mapusa (March 24), Pernem (March 25), Bicholim (March 26), Sanquelim (March 27), Valpoi (March 28), Vasco (March 29), Quepem (March 30), Margao (March 31), Curchorem (April 1), Sanguem (April 3), Cuncolim (April 4) and Canacona (April 5).
