Shigmotsav

Shigmotsav, the spring festival celebrated by various communities of Goa. In Goa and Konkan, this celebration is popularly known as Shigmo. It is a feast of folk dances with traditional costumes. Shigmo is celebrated in Phalgun (February-March), the last month of Hindu calendar by the Goan Diaspora and the Indian festival of Holi is a part of it. This lively and colourful festival of folk dances and music attracts much of the local populace across the State along with tourists. Float parades depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and culture are held at all major towns and cities of the State, accompanied by Romta Mell processions and groups performing local dances. The Shigmo festival is also celebrated far and wide in Goa villages and rural locations spanning over a fortnight, with different days earmarked for celebrations in different areas. The festival begins with Naman, the invocation of local folk deities on the village maand (stage), to the beats of percussion instruments like the ghumat, dhol, mhadle and tashe by men. Long and winding processions called the romta mell moves from one village to another. The celebration is replete with traditional, colourful costumes, mythological installations, painted faces, and colourful costumes. Traditional folk dances like Ghodemodini (a dance of equestrian warriors), Gopha and Phugadi are among the many performed by the participating communities. The festival reflects the Goan culture and heritage.