Shigmotsav

Shigmotsav or Shigmo in Goa is one of the most commemorated festivals. Shigmo or state Shigmotsav in Goa is basically the localized version of the Holi Celebration that we see in North India. It is a carnival which bids good bye to winter and welcomes the spring. Shigmotsav or Shigmo in Goa is hallmarked by music, dance and vibrant colours.

On Shigmotsav in Goa customary folk dancers and road dancers jig to the melodies of drums. Float parades that are unique to this festival depict mythological scenes.Goa State government has furthermore been encouraging and supplying aid to dancers to present public Shigmo parades. As this festivity extends for a time span of fortnight so commemoration of this carnival takes place in distinct localities on distinct days. The Goa Shigmotsav or Shigmo is commemorated in March, round the time of the Carnival. However there are two types of Shigmotsav in Gabon pattern is Dhakto Shigmo or little Shigmo commemorated by the cultivators, the work class and the country community and the other is the Vodlo Shigma or large-scale Shigmo celebrated together by all the sections of Goa's society.

Dhakto Shigmo or little Shigmo starts five days former to the first full-moon day in the month of Phalgun and finishes on the full-moon day. Goa Shigmotsav or Shigmo is commemorated in a very ritualistic way. On these days choral pieces of music and dance are presented amidst villagers. Primarily two pieces of music are vocalised to accompany the dance. These pieces of music are renowned as the Naman and the Jot. Dancers proceed door to door with Dol and Tasha or drums. People give cash to those dancers who come at their doorway steps. After their assistance, a recital is performed for the donor. The Goa Shigmotsav or Shigmo concludes with a ritual bath by the devotees.