Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

Our Annual Shigmo is truly a multi-cultural celebration and an important unifying factor in our way of proceeding in Goa. It's a festival and a parade of colours, costumes, dances, music and a variety of floats depicting the rich history, culture and traditions of Goa, the land and it's peoples.

Students and researchers in Anthropology and Culture Studies would find in the Goan Shigmo many of the native ingredients that make Goa a dynamic spot on the Planet.

In the good old days when technology was still in the developing stages, Shigmo floats were less mobile than now. The segment known as Bhaili Peth in Bicholim taluka used to be central to the Shigmo culture. Each house on either side of the road in Bhaili Peth worked hard to prepare and depict a well researched theme of historical and cultural significance. Culture lovers went visiting from house to house complimenting the family members for their marvellous contribution to art and tradition.

Energetic youngmen dressed as "Ghoddes" or horses carried out a lively "Goddemonni" parade. With swords and shields in their hands, the men dressed like horses would gallop down the street to the deafening beat of the huge "dhol" or drum and cymbals.

At a time when our transport systems were yet to attain perfection, friends, well-wishers, relatives and admirers would walk long distances or race using bullock-carts, canoes and be on time for the Parade. Solidarity and fellow feeling were important values at Shigmo.

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