Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
Ponda, March 5, 2026: The vibrant statewide celebrations of Shigmotsav 2026 began with great enthusiasm in Ponda on March 5, marking the start of a 14-day cultural festival that will travel across 19 centres in Goa.
The grand Shigmotsav parade, organised by the Ponda Taluka Antruz Shigmotsav Samiti in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, commenced from Tisk-Ponda and witnessed a large turnout of locals and visitors.
The parade featured traditional Romtamel performances, folk dances, colourful fancy dress presentations and creatively designed floats reflecting Goa’s rich traditions and mythological stories. Artists from across the state participated, bringing the streets alive with music, colour and celebration.
The inaugural event was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, Rajya Sabha Member Sadanand Shet Tanavade, BJP Goa Pradesh President Damu Naik, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, former Rajya Sabha Member Vinay Tendulkar and Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, among other dignitaries.
The parade opened with an inspiring Romtamel performance by Zareshwar Shigmotsav Mandal presented by specially abled participants, setting a celebratory tone for the festival.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the cultural significance of Shigmo and its role in providing a platform for local artists and traditional performers. He also remembered former Agriculture Minister and Ponda MLA late Ravi Naik, noting his contribution to expanding the festival across Goa and strengthening its role in promoting tourism.
Union Minister of State Shripad Naik congratulated participating troupes for preserving Goa’s cultural traditions and emphasised the importance of continuing such heritage celebrations.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said the festival reflects the essence of Goa’s cultural identity and aligns with the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” vision, which promotes cultural and spiritual tourism. He also announced an increase of ₹1 lakh in the infrastructure grant provided to Shigmotsav committees this year.
The Shigmotsav parades will continue across Goa over the coming days, with celebrations scheduled in Calangute on March 6, Panaji on March 7, Mapusa on March 8, Curchorem on March 9, Bicholim on March 10, Sanquelim on March 11, Shiroda and Sanguem on March 12, Dharbandora and Cuncolim on March 13, Margao on March 14, Vasco and Porvorim on March 15, Valpoi on March 16 and Pernem among the remaining centres, bringing the vibrant spirit of Goan culture to communities across the state.
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