MARGAO
Shigmo floats parade wend its way along the Opinion Poll Square for the very first time on Sunday to the beats of dhol and tashe, even as Tourism Minister Babu Azgaonkar said that the festival was a true identity of Goemkarponn.
The shigmo parade organised by the Madgaon Shigmotsav Samiti was inaugurated at the hands of the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai in the presence of Azgaonkar, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai, BJP leader Sharmad Raiturcar, councillors and citizens.
Appreciating the decision taken by the Madgaon Shigmotsav Samiti to shift the Shigmo parade from the city to the Opinion Poll Square this year, the Tourism Minister said the move will help decongest the city.
“I have no doubt that Margao parade will emerge as the main one in future. Shigmo is popular in Goa and outside alike. The state receives thousands of tourists for this traditional festival,” Azgaonkar said.
In his brief address, the TCP Minister said the government which was formed in 2017 to save and promote Goemkarponn, will take Shigmo forward through unity and brotherhood.
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco said that Shigmo is a traditional festival of Goans, adding that traditional festivities should be protected for posterity.
Organisers said a total of 25 floats participated in the parades, besides 10 romtamel, 12 folk dances.
Around 36 participants took part in the competition.
