Shigmotsav aimed at promoting hinterland tourism, says Minister

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Saligao MLA Kedar Naik perform on folk drums during Porvorim Shigmotsav parade on Sunday.

PORVORIM

The grand Shigmotsav parade organised by the Porvorim Shigmotsav Committee in association with the Directorate of Tourism attracted hundreds of spectators in Porvorim on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the Shigmo festival attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists and plays an important role in promoting Goa’s rich cultural heritage. 

He added that the Tourism Department organises Shigmotsav celebrations at various locations across the state to promote hinterland tourism and highlight the deep cultural roots of Goan villages.

The procession began after  Khaunte garlanded the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the presence of Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, Zilla Parishad member Sandeep Salgaonkar, North Goa ZP President Reshma Bandodkar, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar and Socorro Sarpanch Sonia Pednekar. The event was held under the security cover of Goa Police.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Saligao MLA Kedar Naik also participated in the parade and entertained the crowd with a lively drum performance during the festivities.

Several troupes presented performances in different categories including four folk dance groups, 17 Romtamell troupes and fancy dress competitions with 37 participants in the junior category and 14 in the senior category.

The Tourism minister also said that due to ongoing flyover construction work in Porvorim, floats from the area were not included in this year’s parade.

MLA Kedar Naik said such cultural events help showcase Goan traditions to tourists visiting the state and appreciated the participants for contributing their time and effort to make the event memorable.

Earlier, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar welcomed the gathering.