Written by Intern Joysi Yadav, Team Allycaral
As the Carnival festivities come to a close, Goa is gearing up for another vibrant celebration – Shigmotsav 2025. This 14-day extravaganza, beginning on March 15 and culminating on March 29, 2025, is a testament to Goa’s rich cultural heritage.
Shigmotsav, also known as Shigmo, is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Phalgun (February-March). The festival commemorates the homecoming of brave soldiers who fought against invaders at the end of Dusshera. The valiant soldiers were welcomed with folk dances, mythological reenactments, and grand celebrations.
The Shigmotsav festivities commence with Holi, spanning 14 days from the 9th moon day to the full moon day. The festival begins with the invocation of the deity by singing the ‘naman,’ followed by the bathing and dressing of the deity in saffron ceremonial robes. The fifth day is marked by ‘Rang Panchami,’ which resembles Holi, with celebrations involving ‘gulal’ (red powder).
Vibrant Parades and Processions
The highlight of Shigmotsav is the elaborate parades and processions featuring colorful floats, traditional dances, and music. The floats showcase traditional dances like ‘rommatamel,’ ‘fugadi,’ and ‘ghodemodini’ (horse dance). Participants dress in vibrant outfits, carrying massive flags, artificial swords, and dressed as ‘maharajas’ and soldiers.
Shigmotsav is a testament to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the state’s indigenous traditions, communities, and vibrant culture. Despite the Portuguese influence, Shigmotsav has maintained its distinct identity, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Shigmotsav 2025. With its rich cultural heritage, traditional dances, music, and elaborate parades, this 14-day celebration is an experience you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars, and get set to experience the exuberance of Shigmotsav 2025!
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