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Discover Goa’s vibrant Shigmo Festival! March Extravaganza Details Here!

Goa is well-known for its yearly funfair, but have you heard of the Shigmo festival, a colourful celebration held from March 21 to March 29?

The Shigmo festival, celebrated in the Konkani section of Goa, takes place at the start of the spring season, commencing with Holi, and celebrates the celebrations in the Konkani part of Goa, where Hindus paint complex murals and carve statues depicting characters from Hindu mythology.

The term ‘Shigmo’ comes from the Prakrit word Suggimaho and the Sanskrit word Sugrishmaka. In different regions of the country, it is celebrated with different names. It is referred to as Holi in North India, Kamadahan in South India, Dolyatra in Assam and Bengal, and Shimga in Maharashtra.

It is celebrated a few days before the full moon night of the Indian lunar month of Phalgun, which falls in March according to the Saka calendar. The celebration, which lasts a fortnight, has two variants: Dhakto Shigmo and Vhdl Shigmo, and is known as the festival of hues or spring festival in Goa.

How will the holiday be celebrated?

The Shigmo festival is a colour-filled spectacle in which people throw gulls at one another, dress up in vivid traditional clothes, and dance with deities’ umbrellas. Folk dances, parades, and temple yatras are also part of the festivity. The houses are nicely decorated to welcome the holiday fun. Martial dances such as ‘Ghode-morni’ (the horse dance), ‘Rommatamel’, and ‘Fugdi’ are also performed.

The parade, which takes place in various Goan cities, features painted idols and paintings depicting a variety of folklore and mythological stories, as well as themes from old Hindu texts, and attracts people from all over the world. The finest performers and float decorators are recognised.

The parade, which takes place in various Goan cities, features painted idols and paintings depicting a variety of folklore and mythological stories, as well as themes from old Hindu texts, and attracts people from all over the world. The finest performers and float decorators are recognised.

Do you know about the Shigmo Festival, a colourful extravaganza held in GOA every March? Check out the details here! by Tanisha Mundra.

What is the history of the Shigmo Festival?

According to the first Pranic tradition, the event commemorates the burning of the evil Holika, who wanted to kill her holy nephew Prahlad. Some think that Lord Krishna killed Putana on this day.

Shigmotsav is also observed as a tribute to Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love. It also recalls the return of warriors who left after Dussehra for a battle against the invaders. Another reason for celebration is the ripening of winter crops, hence the name “harvest festival.” Rural people also believe that celebrating the holiday brings them good luck.

The Goon government also supports the possession, and the majority of the dances can be seen in rural Goa during Dhakto Shigmo, performed at night by farmers and rural class members.So, if you want to be a part of history and have an unforgettable celebration, this event should be on your bucket list. This celebration lifts the spirits of the locals and visitors alike, immersing you in festive enthusiasm.

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