Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa’s biggest folk festival, Shigmo, is slated to begin on March 8 and will continue in different parts of the State over a fortnight.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday announced that the first Shigmo parade of the year will commence on March 8, at Ponda, and in other centers are as follows: March 9 Calangute, March 10 Sankhali/ Bicholim, March 11 Panjim, March 12 Porvorim, March 13 Mapusa, March 14 Valpoi/Pernem, March 15 Sanguem, March 16 Curchorem/Quepem, March 17 Vasco, March 18 Margao, March 19 Shiroda/Dharbandora, March 20 Cuncolim and March 21 Canacona.
Earlier in the day, Tourism Minister chaired a meeting at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto-Panjim, which was attended by Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza, River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, MLAs Altone D’Costa and Dr Chandrakant Shetye, the representatives from the concerned government departments, Goa Police, Traffic Police, and municipal bodies to oversee the preparation for the festival.
All the officials deliberated in detail on the float parade schedules and other arrangements.
“Through this festival we will showcase our tradition. Spectacular display of Goan ethnicity and mythology will be on the show with floats from across the State. Tourism Department’s public relation team will promote this festival through digital mode and on social media platforms with an aim to attract tourists,” Khaunte said.
He said that as per the present norms, committees will have to ensure that float parades wind up by 10 pm and loud music is not played beyond the time deadline set by the High Court.
“I will speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to seek relaxation in timing for playing loud music beyond 10 pm in areas where Shigmo parades will be held,” Khaunte said.
