PONDA: Thousands of people flocked to Ponda on Thursday to watch the Shigmo parade and Romtamel.
The parade was flagged off by PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who appealed to the people and politicians to forget their issues and politics and participate in the Shigmo celebrations.
The parade comprised of 20 floats, which were based on mythological legends. One of them also appealed to the people to keep the town clean.
There were six Romtamel troupes that danced to the tunes of Dhol Tashas, as well as four folk-dance troupes, while the fancy dress competition attracted 50 participants – 22 in the junior category and 28 in the senior category.
A large police force, consisting of around 500 personnel, had been deployed at the town to maintain law and order. The police force comprised of six PIs, 11 PSIs, 9 ASIs, 38 head constables, 165 constables, 35 women police, two GRP groups, 40 IB personnel, and 100 traffic police.
Industries Minister Mahadev Naik, Ponda Municipal Council Chairperson Radhika Naik, Deputy Chairperson Shantaram Colvekar, and councillors Venktesh Naik and Vishwanath Dalvi were present for the parade.
