Shigmo Parade

Shigmo Parade

Shigmo is the widely celebrated festival of Goa. It takes place in the month of Phalgun (March) from the 9th to the full moon day according to the Hindu calendar. The festival commemorates the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dussera to fight the invaders. Apart from the celebration in Rang Panchami, which resembles the Hindu festival of Holi, folk dances, songs, processions, and Shigmo float parade are the major attractions of this vibrant festival.

Shigmo is a very traditional Goan festival, but it has never got the coverage that the Carnival celebrations in Goa have received. However, in recent years, the state government has been offered its support for Shigmo street parade at Goa. These floats are made up of traditional folk dances, street-dancers and floats depicting religious scenes. A spectacular Shigmo street parade is annually held in the Panjim city. Floats at the Shigmo parade are also held at the major cities like Margao, Mapusa, Vasco, and Ponda.

Every year, during this time, Goa gears up for its 14 day long Shigmo festival. This year Shigmotsav will take place from the 7th March – 20th March, 2016. The Shigmo Parade 2016, would be a mesmerizing event and this street festival would be filled with dance, music, Shigmo float parade and vivid colours. The life of a Goan is portrayed in exquisite folk performances by the local men and women who dance tirelessly in huge processions along with the Shigmo float parade. Adroit craftsman show cases their workmanship in creating these lofty figures of demons, Ravana and mythological characters. The dance performances of a Shigmo float parade seem to depict the Maratha war and the legendary rulers like the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and so on.

In Goa, the nights are always loud and vibrant and so it is with Shigmo. The Shigmo float parade goes on till late night amidst loud cheering, even as the participants show no sign of waning. Goa is a city full of life, fervour and zeal that has its root in tradition and culture.