The Shigmo Festival, also known as Shigmotsav, is a two-week arts and culture festival held every year at the start of the spring season in the month of Phalgun, according to the Hindu Saka calendar. For 14 days straight, starting from March 8 to 21st, Goa will bring along an incredible fusion of the festivals of Holi and the Goa Carnival. Although a Konkani tradition, it is well-received by everyone in Goa. During the festival, you can enjoy traditional folk music, dances, and extravagant parades peppered with tableaus. This year, too, you can witness the beauty of Goa sunsets along with this festival, which brings you bright colours and vibrant coastal cuisine.
The Grand Parade
In its truest form, the parade perfectly demonstrates the essence of Goa. The procession started from Ponda on March 8 and will travel through lit-up streets across the state. This year 17 cities are set to be crossed by the parade, with the main ones being Panjim, Vasco, Ponda, Mapusa, etc. The parade will begin once the sun sets and end after 10 pm on all days. Locals will celebrate with unique dance forms such as Ghode Modni, and the delicacies of excellent coastal food will only add to the experience.
Traditional Depictions
The festival has a deep history, with its origin traced back to Hindu Puranic legends. The festival sees a mix of folk music along with dance forms that are said to originate in Hindu mythology. Folk music involves bass instruments such as the dhol drum, percussion instruments such as the taasha drum and kasale, or cymbals tied to Konkani tradition, while the dance forms are colourful. With dancers wearing glittering dresses, dance forms such as Veeramel, Gade, Ghode Modni, etc., are performed for their cultural and historical significance.
Variations Of Shigmo
Two variations of Shigmotsav, namely Dhakto (lesser) Shigmo and Vadhlo (main or bigger) Shigmo, are celebrated for different reasons. Farmers and the rural population celebrate Dhakto Shigmo as a mark of the harvest season's end. In contrast, Vadhlo Shigmo is celebrated on a big scale in the rest of the region. The festival sees visitors coming in to celebrate it and learn about the rural aspect of Goa, with many people travelling through agricultural areas. Temple-hopping and enjoying traditional cuisine become the norm over the 14 days, making people aware of Goa's natural beauty, which has yet to be commercialised.
The Information
What Shigmostav
Where Goa
When March 8 to 21
How to get there
By air Goa Dabolim Airport is near Ponda, 19 kilometres away, and the parade's starting point.
By rail The Karmali Railway Station is 14 kilometres from Ponda however, the Panaji Railway Station is better connected to the country.
By road Ponda is connected with Panaji by road, which in itself is well-connected to major cities in Goa
For more information, check the website.
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