Team Herald
PORVORIM: In view of the rising COVID-19 cases in Goa, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Friday announced that the State-level annual Shigmo parades, scheduled to be held in Ponda, Panjim and Mapusa from March 30, stand cancelled.
Sawant, however, informed the Legislative Assembly, that the traditional local Shigmo celebrations held in the villages will continue, with limited participation following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the government.
“Considering the rising number of coronavirus cases and related deaths, it is decided to cancel the government-organised Shigmo parade. The decision has been taken in the interest of public health, which is of uttermost importance,” the Chief Minister told the House.
Sawant also said that the government will provide necessary compensation to the artistes, who have already invested in making floats or presenting other traditional celebrations.
Shigmo parades were scheduled on March 30 in Ponda and April 3 and 4 in Panjim and Mapusa, respectively.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour by MGP MLA Ramakrishna Dhavalikar, who sought to know whether the government is going ahead with the annual float parades and that if government is going ahead then it should be held across all nine talukas, where it is annually held. “If government intends to cancel, then a required compensation be given to the artists,” he said.
Stating that the traditional Shigmo festivities in temples and villages will continue, but the hosts should abide by the COVID-19 restrictions, the Chief Minister said that other celebrations like weddings, birthday parties, festivities, etc should be held with limited attendees.
“I appeal to people not to hold social gatherings to celebrate the upcoming Holi festival. Let that be also restricted within families. Let holi celebration be a low-key affair,” he said.
