The colourful 14-day Shigmo festival came to a close on March 18, bringing the curtains down once again on the wide variety of cultural and religious celebrations in the state. More than being a colourful parade, Shigmo is a reflection of Goa's history and projects the collective soul of its people. The decorated floats depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with various folk dances such as Romtamel, Fugdi, and Ghode Modni, serve to connect generations and foster a sense of community. Shigmo’s grandeur and vibrancy are emblematic of Goa’s rich heritage, serving as a reminder of its deep-rooted traditions that have survived centuries of change.
Unfortunately, this year the festival culminated on a sour note as two Romtamel troupe members engaged in a street fight at Valpoi, leading to injuries and disrupting the otherwise festive atmosphere with chaos. The dispute that later escalated into a physical fight was apparently triggered due to prior rivalry between the groups. Three people were injured in the incident, one of whom is said to have sustained serious injuries. The Sattari Shigmo Committee immediately stopped participation of the two Romtamel troupes, even as there were calls to wrap up the event.
While mass gatherings, jubilant atmosphere and festive chaos can trigger chaos and disputes, one must understand that such skirmishes tarnish the spirit of festivities. Violent clashes happen during celebrations, and it is for the managing committees and authorities, including the police, to ensure that proceedings go off peacefully. In the Valpoi incident, viral videos showed two groups exchanging blows and running through the crowd; a picture that does not reflect well on the moment. Moreover, police watched as helpless spectators and chose not to diffuse the issue. That was surprising.
Religious and cultural festivals, including Shigmo and Carnival, are the backbone of Goa’s identity; they symbolise unity, tradition, and community pride. However, such incidents of violence and disorder threaten to send a wrong message. The harmony that is often associated with the people and this State becomes a shadow of the past. Decorum is a shared responsibility.
It is important that we reassess and fine-tune approaches to suit the changing times. Gatherings need better security and methodical organising. Crowd management is a crucial component, whether it is zatras, festivals, carnival celebrations, or other events. The Valpoi incident could have spiralled into a full-blown violent clash between the two groups if the locals had not intervened.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Lately, rules and protocols have been bent in the name of cultural festivities. Shigmo and Carnival celebrations are allowed to extend way beyond timelines and into the wee hours of the next day. Such relaxations may be well-meaning, keeping the local sentiment in mind, but there are consequences to face. Who holds the responsibility?
It’s time for a renewed focus on discipline. Organisers must respect protocols and set the tone for safe and peaceful celebrations. Participants should understand that their actions reflect on the entire community. Public celebrations should uphold the dignity of tradition, not become arenas for discord. Festivals are our pride and bind together the community spirit. We must celebrate with mutual respect for each other and uphold decorum. It is the bounden duty of all stakeholders to ensure that festivals are truly reflective of Goa’s rich cultural identity and not turn into battlegrounds to settle personal scores.
