MARGAO
The writ petition challenging the government notification has been filed by Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Babita Angle, MMC appointed Organising Committee President, Vasant Shirodkar and general secretary Godekar. In their petition, the trio informed the High Court on how the government had initially asked the MMC to constitute the committees to organize the shigmo parade in the city and how it has now authorized Damu Naik’s Margao Shigmotsav Samiti to to do so.
The High Court heard arguments on Monday and is expected to pass an order on Tuesday.
In the meantime, the Damu-led Madgaon Shigmotsav Samiti on Monday started its Shigmo preparations ahead of the parade in the city on March 27 by offering the sacred coconut to the city’s presiding deity Lord Dambab at Pimpalkatta in the morning.
After the religious ceremony, Damu told the media that the government has authorized the Samiti headed by him to organize the parade in the city. “Accordingly, we have decided to hold it on March 27 on the traditional route along the Holy Spirit church-Margao Municipal Council Square,” Damu said, while making an appeal to all Madgavkars to join hands to unitedly celebrate the festival in the city as per the tradition.
“Shigmo belongs to everyone. I appeal to all Madgavkars to come and witness it in the city,” Damu said, adding “it is sad that some people have gone to court for a decision on who should organize the festival.”
“We had always made an attempt to have one Shigmo in Margao, but in vain. All problems cannot be resolved through the court. I have no ego on the issue,” he added and appealed to the rival group to come together under one banner for the celebrations.
On the parade route, Damu said that the traditional route has been well accepted by Madgavkars over the years, adding that the route cannot be changed as per the whims and fancies of one individual.
