A vibrant celebration of Goa’s Konkani diaspora, Shigmo is celebrated as the spring festival in the sunshine state and is glittered by a vibrantly unique splendour throughout! The auspicious festivities of Shigmo are governed by the lunar cycle and therefore, there is not a specific date of celebration. This year, it will begin on the 9th moon day Phalguna month, as per the Saka calendar, which coincides with March 21, Sunday.
A festival that blends culture with legacy!
Shigmo is celebrated widely across all districts in Goa, attracting a number of tourists from India and across. A grand celebration that lasts for about 14 days, culturally it is celebrated to welcome the warriors who’d left their homes and families at the end of Dussera to fight the invaders.
On the 5th day of festivities, Goa celebrates Rang Panchami, the equivalent of the Hindu Holi festival. Colourful hues, smearing of gulaal, folk dances and float parades, drum rolls and flute tunes usually mark the fun and frolic here, making it a one of a kind celebration in Goa.
The state is enveloped in a gleaming extravagance during this festive period where a spectacular Shigmo street parade floats as the highlight. It is held as an annual affair in the state capital, Panjim and other major cities like Margao, Mapusa, Vasco, and Ponda. These colour-parties usually see people dressed in vibrant clothing performing traditional folk dances to depict the historical legacy of the Maratha War that backs this festival.
Shigmo: vivid, diverse & beautiful
Though a lively spirit wraps Shigmo, there are two distinct ways in which it is celebrated. The two variants are known as Dhakto Shigmo which translates to small Shigmo and Vaghlo Shigmo, which is the main festival.
While Dhakto is primarily celebrated by the working and rural class here, Vaghlo Shigmo is all-inclusive, bigger and brighter. Celebrated to mark the arrival of spring, it is believed to bring good luck and a good harvest, which adds another dimension to the festive flair that tags along with it.
While the festival has not received the spotlight like the state carnival and other such commercial activities, one can expect no less magnificence, for the festival truly is that! So if you are planning to visit Goa this March, you’ve got to be a part of this cultural celebration of Shigmotsav and experience Goa’s vivid culture that is as beautiful as that gulaal that characterises it!
