Shigmo
in Goa in essence is a carnival of the masses; it is celebrated under diverse
names and in altered ways in several parts of India ....
WHAT IS SHIGMO?
For
those who do not know, Shigmo was conventionally celebrated as spring’s
biggest festival which flattered the repatriation of the warriors who had
left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to contest the invaders. Throughout
the month of the parade, both locals and visitors alike go party all across
town in celebration of Goan culture and tradition. A Holiday in Goa would mean
loads of fun, experience of a unique culture and heritage at a very affordable
price. Between the neighbourhood festivities, river boat tours and
performances, visiting all the hot spots like ‘ Big foot’, ‘ Church’, the ‘
beaches’ and of course the highlight of the holiday, the Shigmo parade, there
is no shortage of ways to celebrate!
SHIGMO PARADE
People
in Goa dress up in colourful outfits, holding multi coloured flags and
playing large musical instruments like the Dhol Tasha and flutes in
marches across fourteen cities, began on the 7th of March at Ponda followed by
other towns; I witnessed the one at Panjim the capital on the 14th. The city
witnessed the Shigmotsav float parade organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti
heralded and trailed by a numeral cultural and entertainment programmes
including celebration of Holi, the festival of colours. This left me completely
proud of the rich culture and heritage that our country has. Sample this street
filled with colours, music, dance and float parade. I was mesmerized by
how the life of a Goan was depicted so extravagantly via folk enactments by
local men and women who danced diligently in huge marches along with the
parade.
HIGHLIGHTS
Traditional
folk dances and representation of mythological scenes is the foremost highpoint
of this parade. The enthralling larger than life celebration brought fantasy
and folk to form a synthesis in the floats that paraded through the streets.
Traditional folk dances like ‘Ghode Modni’ and ‘Fugdi’ were performed on the
streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of
Goa. The glistening floats with widespread lighting and sound effects moved
along with the parade fascinating the attention of a huge crowd that lit
the streets of Goa. The streets were sprinkled with the choicest of
local Goan delicacies.
Published in Statesman
