March 21, 2016 TnH Global 0

Stage set for Tourism Events: Shigmo, Goa Food & Cultural festival 2016

~Shigmo to start form March 24 to April 7, 2016

~Goa Food and Cultural festival 2016 to begin from April 6-10

Goa Tourism is all set to celebrate the annual festivals of colour, culture and cuisine, namely Shigmo and the Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2016. Shigmo is celebrated in Goa as spring’s biggest festival which honored the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dussehra to fight the invaders. During Shigmo, traditional folk dances and depiction of mythological scenes through parades all across the state is the major highlight. People dress in colorful outfits, hold colourful flags and play musical instruments like the Dhol Tasha, Flutes and go in procession.

This year the Shigmo Utsav festivities are scheduled to begin from March 24 and will culminate on April 7, 2016 and the Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2016 is scheduled to begin from April 6-10. The two events are expected to draw lakhs of tourists to Goa as it coincides with the commencement of the summer vacations.

The first Shigmo parade will commence on Thursday, March 24 (Holi) at Ponda. No parades will be held on March 25 (Good Friday). Shigmo parades in the other centers are as follows: Panjim (March 26),Margao (March 27), Bicholim (March 28), Vasco (March 29), Quepem (March 30), Curchorem (March 31), Sanguem (April 1), Cuncolim (April 2), Mapusa (April 3), Pernem (April 4), Sanquelim (April 5), Valpoi (April 6) and Canacona (April 7). Shigmo Parades in the other sub-centers is as follows: Tivim (April 2), Shiroda (April 3) and Dharbandora(April 6).

The annual Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2016 will commence on April 6-10 at the D B Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim. This year the five day event has an exciting line up of an activity which includes cooking competitions, cooking demos and a live distillation unit. Music and Dance performances by various groups namely Goenchim Noketram, Indian Ocean, Dance to the Beats, Rhythm and Blues, Kepemchim Kirnnam, Lagori, the Big T Band, Bollywood Hip Hop and Dance Fusion, Thermal and Quarter, Taaq, Bad Blood and One Night Stand have been lined up during the five day event.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri. Dilip Parulekar said “Festivals in Goa are celebrated with much enthusiasm both by the locals and tourists. Goa celebrates a large number of festivals all through the year. However, Shigmo is one event that shows how vibrant Goa’s culture is. So also, the Goa Food and Cultural Festival is much loved and enjoyed by everyone who attends it. This year too Goa promises a festive mood and food that will set summer vacations a buzz.

Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation said, “Goa Tourism has set the stage for two big events starting from March 24. Shigmo Utsav and the Goa Food and Cultural Festival are two festivals which attract tourists in large numbers and this year they will add more fervor and flavor to the summer holidays. Shigmo is a big festival celebrated in Goa which showcases rich culture, folklore, music, dance and tableaux depicting traditions and mythology.

The Goa Food and Cultural Festival is a platform giving tourists a platter of cuisine both Goan and fusion of Indian and Western flavors. We want tourists from India and the international sectors to visit Goa and witness Goa’s vibrant culture and cuisine.”