PONDA: The temple town of Ponda is all set to host Shigmo float parade on Tuesday, March 26, with artistes from across Goa busy in giving final touches to the floats after spending days and nights.
Similarly, the Romtamel and folk dance artistes have been practicing hard to display their talent.
Sidhesh Shet Narvekar of the Dhad Sakhal Star Float from Marcel said, “Our float will participate at the Shigmo float parade in Ponda. I request the Tourism Department to clear the prize money of participants immediately which has been pending for several months.”
He recalled that last year, they received the prize money somewhere in September and October.
He said, “Preparing floats for the Shigmo parade involves hard work and lots of expenditure which amounts to Rs five to seven lakh. After spending such a huge amount, we struggle to bear the additional cost of transportation by participating in the float parade in other parts of the State. The prize money should be increased so that troupes participating in the float parade can bear the cost of transportation. Besides transportation, we spend a lot of money on travel, sound system, generators, light, refreshments, trolleys, etc.”
The artistes said that their only aim is to mainly participate in the Shigmo float parade and showcase their art and talent before the public.
‘Float parade to conclude by 10 pm’
PONDA: With the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections already in force, Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) Chief Officer Yogiraj Gosavi said that the various troupes participating in Shigmo float parade will have to strictly follow the time limit and wind up by 10 pm.
He said the Shigmo festivities commenced with prayers offered to Goddess Mahalasa at Mardol. He said the Shigmo float parade will commence from PMC garden at 3.30 pm and will conclude at Ponda old bus stand at 10 pm.
