PONDA: Thousand of people on Saturday flocked to Ponda to watch the grand Shigmo parade comprising of colourful floats depicting culture, Romatamel, folkdance and fancy dress competition, which were accompanied by beating of drums, dholas, tashas; chanting ossayaa and shigmo songs.
The parade was flagged off by Governor Mrudula Sinha by lighting traditional lamp and breaking coconut.
Present on the occasion were PWD Minister Sudin Davlikar, South Goa MP Adv Narendra Savoikar, former minister Aguiar, Savordem MLA Deepak Pauskar, local councillors and sarpanchas.
Governor Sindha appealed for protecting the shigmo festival of farmers. She said all over the country farmers celebrate their cultural traditions in different ways and steps should be taken to protect the rich tradition.
Ponda MLA Ravi Naik and Chairperson Radhika were conspicuousof their presence at the inauguration.
A total of 30 floats, 10 Romatamel, 12 folkdance troupes, 32 fancy dress participants in junior and 24 in senior category participated.
