MIRAMAR: The spectacular Shigmo parade dazzled thousands of people in the capital city as the streets resonated with the sounds of drums and conches as huge floats depicting mythological tales with light effects along with romtamel paraded along the Miramar-Dona Paula stretch.
The Shigmo parade, a religious Hindu festival of colour, music, dance and floats, depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like ghode modni and fugdi.
The parade opened with the traditional Goan dances of romtamel along with dhol and tashe as troupes danced along the road waving their totem poles whose tips were decorated with beautiful flowers and mango leaves.
According to the committee the Panjim Shigmo saw nine Romtamel troupes, 44 floats, 35 fancy dress participants and eight traditional folk dance groups.
Speaking to Herald, a member of the Panaji Shigmotsav Committee said, “This year we had strict rules for the Shigmotsav parade. Also, the route was changed to avoid traffic congestion. Two years ago there were numerous complaints from the people of Panjim as the floats parade used to stretch till late into the night but now everything is well planned. I guess Panjim Shigmostav will be the best parade in Goa in terms of planning.”
Caranzalem resident Nitin Bhaje said, “This year the Shigmo has been well planned and even the venue was changed so that city traffic is not affected. I think this is the best Shigmo parade. The entire parade took place without any traffic and parking problems.”
A large police force was deployed at the entire Miramar-Dona Paula road to maintain law and order.
