MAPUSA
The traditional Shigmo festival will begin from March 8 in Ponda and will cover 17 other places in the State in a span of 14 days, even as the Shigmotsav committees have been requested to ensure that the float parade ends by 10 pm to avoid going against the High Court directions on sound restrictions.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed that the Shigmo festival will be held by the State government in order to showcase the Goan tradition and culture.
“Shigmo is a very traditional Hindu festival and like Carnival, people of all religions and castes participate in this festival. We promote our tradition and culture by celebrating Shigmo and Carnival in a grand way and the organisation of such festivals is the best example of communal harmony in the State,” Khaunte said.
The Tourism Minister was addressing the media in the presence of Social Welfare Minister Subash Phaldessai, Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Pernem MLA, Pravin Arlekar, Quepem MLA, Altone D’Costa and department officials.
The Shigmo parade will start from March 8 in Ponda, March 9 in Calangute, March 10 in Sakalim and Bicholim, March 11 in Panaji, March 12 in Porvorim, March 13 in Mapusa and March 14 in Valpoi and Pernem.
Similarly, in South Goa the Shigmo parade will held on March 15 in Sanguem, March 16 Curchorem and Quepem, March 17 in Vasco, March 18 in Margao, March 19 in Shiroda and Dharbandora, March 20 in Cuncolim and March 21 in Canacona.
Khuante requested the Shigmotsav committees to ensure that all parades end by 10 pm due to High Court directions on sound curbs.
“We will not be able to support them post 10 pm. We will also request the CM to give some relaxation in places where Shigmo will be held. The participants should also take note of the timing,” he said.
