PONDA
The State Shigmotsav celebrations began from Ponda on Saturday evening. These will be followed by other towns. The parade was flagged off by Governor Mridula Sinha, who urged the people to preserve this tradition.
Minister for PWD Sudin Dhavalikar MP Narendra Sawaikar, Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pawaskar, former MLA Joel Aguir, PMC vice chairperson Shantaram Kolvekar, PMC chief officer Navnath Naik, and others were present on the occasion.
Former MLA Joel Aguir was felicitated at the hands of Mridula Sinha.
Mridula Sinha said that this is festival of unity. “This is beautiful moment when everyone come and unite. Let the lights of this festival lit for long period,” she said.
“The society which upholds and takes its culture ahead, always becomes strong,” she said.
Sawaikar said that the Shigmotsav tradition and state of Goa have a close relation. “We can see culture and art of Goa in this Shigmotsav. We see people united on this occasion. This occasion portrays culture and art of Goa,” Sawaikar said.
Dhavalikar said, “Shigmotsav is our tradition and we have to preserve this. We should get united and take it ahead.”
“Though Ponda MLA Ravi Naik is not present here, I tried my best to invite him,” Dhavalikar said.
Besides Naik, Subhash Shirodkar, Priol MLA Govind Gawade and PMC chairperson Dr Radhika Nayak were not present on the occasion. Even their photos were not displayed on the advertisement released by the MG Party.
Organizers informed that several floats participated in the Shigmotsav. Along with Romtamell and folk dances, many individuals participated in the fancy dress competition. The floats mostly consisted of themes depicting mythological characters.
A strong police presence was deployed to take care of law and order situation.
