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Monday, February 14, 2011

SHIGMO


The Shigmo festival of Goa , also known as Shigmotsav is celebrated in a grand manner with much joy and fervor among Goans. It takes place every year in the month of March and the dates vary according to the Hindu calender.

GULAL
People enjoy this festival by spraying colored water as well as coloured powder known as 'Gulal'  on each other. This day is known as Rang-Panchami and is celebrated to greet the coming of spring.

During this festival large fairs and parades are organized in Goa. Shigmo, besides being an amazing form of entertainment, is also a cultural exhibition of Goa's history from time immemorial upto the present day.

The Shigmo parade begins with the brass bands reminiscent of the Maratha conquerors. Tribal women of Goa then perform a series of Kunbi Folk-Dances .

The women are decked up with gold and brightly-coloured sarees. One can also witness some regional dances from the Northern and Southern talukas (counties) of Goa.

Men dressed up in a colorful attire march with poles to the beat of drums and dhols, while others dance to the tune of traditional music with decorated umbrellas.Some are seen parading in elaborate costumes representing various Hindu deities.


Similar to Carnival , Shigmotsav also consists of a series of hand-made floats. These floats depict regional mythological and religious aspects. During this festival , hundreds of people irrespective of religion, caste and creed gather to get a glimpse of this parade. 
 
 
The celebrations span around a fortnight; and different days are allotted for celebrations in different areas of the state. 

So the next time you are in Goa during this season, do not miss to be a part of this festival! 

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