CANACONA
Stating that the government will provide special grants between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh to registered traditional Shigmo mandals for the purchase of dhol-tanse and traditional Shigmo dresses, Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar urged mandals to register early with the department.
He said mandals should complete their registration at the earliest and submit applications to get the benefits under the Special Grants scheme. The grants will support expenses towards dhol-tanse and traditional dresses for Shigmo groups who have preserved the mand and related traditions.
Tawadkar also said that the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry is working on a scheme to provide special grants of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh to youth clubs carrying out activities. The details of the scheme will be announced shortly.
The minister, who is also the MLA of Canacona, was speaking after inaugurating Ekta Utsav 2026 and an exhibition-cum-sale organised by Ekta Yuva Sangh, Quepem, in association with the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Government High School ground, Padi, Quepem,
on Saturday.
He congratulated the organising committee for creating a platform that promotes Goan culture and traditional values and gives local artistes and groups a chance to showcase their talent.
As part of the programme, reporters from the Quepem area were felicitated by the minister for their contribution to media and community awareness.
The event also featured traditional Goan folk dance performances, which were well received by the audience.
Among those present were Ekta Yuva Sangh president Prakash Velip, Ekta Utsav 2026 organising chairman Shrikant Velip and Barcem VP sarpanch Shanu Velip.
Prakash Velip said that through its annual utsavs, Ekta Yuva Sangh will continue to promote unity, culture and local talent.
