Shigmo festivities to begin in Goa from March 14 – 27, 2017

Goa’s biggest religious Hindu festival will kick-start on March 14 and will continue in various rural parts of Goa, spanning over a fortnight, with different days earmarked for celebrations in different areas. The float parade will begin at Ponda on 14^th March 2017. The city of Panaji will witness the float parade on 18^th March 2017. The float parade will end in Pernem and Sanquelim on 27^th March, 2017.

Thousands of tourists are expected to visit the state to witness the spectacular Shigmo parades. The Shigmo parades are known for demonstrating the essence of Goa’s favorite spring festival on the streets all across the state.

The Shigmo parade schedule is as follows:

Some history about Shigmotsav:

Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colors, music, dance and floats.Iit depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate Traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa.  The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances.

The state government has supported public Shigmo parades consisting of traditional folk and street dancers and elaborately built floats depicting scenes from regional mythology and religious scenes. Traditionally it was celebrated as spring’s biggest festival which honoured the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to fight the invaders. Traditional folk dances and performing of mythological scenes is the major highlight of this parade.

The parade begins with a bang when the people of Goa dress up in colourful outfits, holding multi coloured flags and playing large musical instruments like the Dhol Tasha and flutes in processions across the cities.