PANAJI
The Capital City reverberated to the traditional sounds of Shigmotsav after a gap of one year, as thousands witnessed the Shigmo parade on Saturday evening.
The troupes, which comprised floats, Romtamel, folk dances and fancy dress contestants, entertained the people, who lined up along the 18th June Road and Azad Maidan.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant flagged off the Shigmotsav parade in Panaji in the presence of Panaji Shigmotsav Committee President Mangaldas Naik, BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Damu Naik, Mangaldas Naik and Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate. Incidentally, Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate was not present at the Shigmotsav parade.
The Shigmo had not been conducted last year on account of the Covid pandemic and the crowds did not care much about social distancing norms this time round.
Eye-catching performances by various troupes and individuals enthralled the crowds on both sides of the route, while other attractions included folk art performances such as Godemodni, Goff, Dhangar dance and Dhedlo.
Floats of mythological figures mounted on vehicles with colourful and giant moving images based on mythological stories kept the people engaged till the end.
Police and other agencies and volunteers made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the Shigmo parade took place smoothly and without any disruption. Police inspectors of surrounding police stations along with their teams were deployed to maintain law and order along the route.
Several residents enjoyed the Shigmo parade from the windows, galleries, and terraces of buildings.
A participant dressed as UP CM Yogi Adityanath was one of the attractions at the parade.
"I am a fan of Yogi. Since the last one year, I have been trying to become like him. He is a selfless politician and I admire him", said Aniruddha Madkaikar of Madkai-Ponda, who dressed up as UP CM Yogi Adityanath, while speaking to media persons.
