Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 8: The capital city of Panaji came alive with colour, music and celebration on Saturday evening as locals and tourists gathered to witness the vibrant float parade of Shigmotsav, one of Goa’s most prominent cultural festivals.

Despite the summer heat, large crowds lined the streets from the Old Secretariat to the Kala Academy to watch the colourful procession that celebrated the state’s rich cultural traditions.

The parade began shortly after 4.30 pm with energetic performances of the traditional Lezim dance. The procession featured a series of elaborate floats depicting stories from Indian mythology, captivating the audience with their artistic design and storytelling.

Adding to the excitement was a folk dance competition that saw participation from 20 troupes, leaving spectators spellbound with their performances. A fancy dress contest also attracted considerable attention and added to the festive spirit.

This year, organisers reduced the number of participants in Romtamell, a ritualistic Shigmo dance, from around 500 to 150 in order to comply with the election code of conduct in place for the upcoming polls to the city corporation.

Local resident Shirpad Chopdekar, however, said the reduction did not affect the overall spirit of the celebration. “It in no way indicated that this year’s parade was any less than last year’s,” he said.

Many families attended the parade with their children to introduce them to Goa’s unique cultural traditions. Sandeep Naik, one of the attendees, said he brought his children so they could experience the state’s heritage beyond its beaches.

“We brought our kids here so they can see Goa’s traditions beyond the beaches. The costumes and folk dances are beautiful, and the whole atmosphere is so joyful,” he said.

Tourists also expressed admiration for the festivities. Liam O’Donnel from the United Kingdom, attending the event for the first time, said he was impressed by the vibrant performances and the strong cultural roots reflected in the parade.

The event was attended by Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa, along with Srinivas Dempo, president of the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, and its secretary Shantaram Naik.

Khaunte said Shigmo float parades are being organised across the state to showcase Goa’s folklore and cultural heritage. He added that the festival attracts both domestic and international tourists who come to experience the vibrant traditions of the region. ????