Shigmo Festival

The Shigmo festival, also known as Shigmotsav is a spring festival celebrated in Goa. The Shigmo parades consist of traditional folk and street dancers and elaborately built floats depicting scenes from regional mythology and religious scenes. 

SHIGMO FESTIVAL

Shigmotsav can be termed a fusion between Holi and Carnival. The grand finale of the festival is the artistically-designed and beautifully-lit floats taken out in the state capital Panaji and other places like Ponda, Vasco, Madgaon, and Mapusa. Shigmotsav is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna, the last month of the Hindu calendar. Festivities start with prayers to the village gods and goddesses. The last five days of the fortnight are when the parades are held. 

The festival has two variants - DhaktoShigmo and VhadloShigmo that are enjoyed consecutively. Shigmotsav celebrations in Goa are unmissable that include folk dances, parades, and a joyful play of colors. People are clad in glitzy and colorful traditional costumes. Martial dances like 'Ghode-morni' or the horse dance, 'Rommatamel', and 'Fugdi' dances are performed. A majority of the dances can be witnessed in rural parts of Goa during Dhakto Shigmo, which are performed by the farmers and the rural class at night. Painted idols and illustrations showcasing some episodes from folklores and mythological stories are highlighted during the parade. Floats portraying the themes from ancient Hindu scriptures entice the crowd. Being a part of the parade, even the tourists can appreciate the festive essence. The procession is carried out in different cities that attract tourists to the joyous celebrations. Traditional Goan dances and modern floats are something you will witness only during Shigmotsav. 

Important Dates:

Shigmo Float Parades will be held at five prominent cities in the State, starting on March 19, 2022, at Ponda. On March 20, 2022, at Margao. On March 22, 2022, at Vasco. At Panaji, Shigmo Parade will be held on March 26, 2022, and at Mapusa on March 27, 2022. The Shigmo Parade will commence at 4.00 p.m. and will conclude at 10.00 p.m. following strict COVID Protocol.