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Festivals in Goa
ShigmotsavShigmo
in Goa is esentially a festival of the masses. Though it is celebrated under
different names and in different ways in various parts of India.
It
is the festival of farewell to winter celebrated on the full moon day in the
month of Phalguna (March), the last month of the Hindu calendar.
In
Goa, which has always been land of temples, Shigmo begins with Naman or
collective obeisance of villagers from 9th moon day to full-moon day. During
all these days, they are to 'Shun' non-vegetarian food and all intoxicants.
From the 11th Moon day to the 15th moon day, various village
groups clad in their most colorful dresses set out with festive mood with
multi-colored cloths, torans, flags and column-like red spoted "Dwajas",
beating drums and blowing flutes to gather at the village temples, and dance
in the temple court yard singing various folk songs to the beat of the
drums.
On the 5th day comes the real day of rejoicing. It is
called "Rang Panchami" - it is practised differently at different
places. The main function of the day, however, is the profuse use of 'Gulal'
or red-powder. It's a symbol of rejoicing, when people throw it on each
other as a sign of full-hearted greeting.
A spectacular display of
Goan Hindu ethnicity and mythology is on show as the annual Shigmo parade
held centerstage on Panjim's 18th June Road.
Attired in
traditional costumes, various folk groups consisting of women and men
dancers give vibrant performances of various dances. These are interspersed
with mell groups that move along the route with their traditional Goan
drums.
The grand finale is always provided by artistically
designed and beautifully lit up floats. The parade is also held on a lesser
scale in Ponda, Vasco, Margao and Mapusa.
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