Events in Goa

No IFFI Inaugural at Shyama Prasad Stadium This Year; Parade to Open the 56th Edition


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a new approach this year. Instead of the customary inaugural ceremony at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, the festival will begin with a vibrant IFFI Parade that will celebrate Goa’s culture and cinematic spirit. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will flag off the parade, which will feature colourful floats inspired by Goa’s carnival and Shigmo traditions.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Chairperson Delilah Lobo confirmed that the change was necessary as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium is booked for the FIDE World Cup during the same period. However, the festival’s official dates remain unchanged, ensuring that IFFI’s schedule continues as planned.

The IFFI Parade will serve as the festival’s new inaugural event, offering a public celebration that merges film, art, and Goan culture. Designed as a street-level spectacle, it will invite participation from locals and visitors alike, capturing the festive atmosphere that defines Goa.

Organised by the ESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI remains India’s most prominent international film festival, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The decision to replace the stadium opening with a parade reflects an inclusive vision — one that extends the festival’s reach beyond formal venues and into the community.

As Goa prepares to welcome delegates and film lovers for IFFI 56, the parade promises to set a celebratory tone for the festival, transforming its opening into a showcase of both local culture and global cinema.

Entertainment

Goa Chief Minister @DrPramodPSawant Joins #Ghibli Trend with Vibrant Shigmo Photos


In a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has joined the popular #Ghibli trend on social media, sharing his vibrant Shigmo photos. This move has not only showcased his fun side but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

For those unfamiliar, Shigmo is a colorful spring festival celebrated in Goa, typically in March. It’s a 14-day extravaganza filled with music, dance, and elaborate processions ¹. The festival is a beautiful representation of Goan culture and traditions.

By participating in the #Ghibli trend, Dr. Sawant has demonstrated his willingness to engage with the younger generation and showcase Goa’s unique cultural identity. The #Ghibli trend, inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli anime films, encourages users to share photos or artwork that evoke a sense of wonder and magic.

Dr. Sawant’s Shigmo photos, now part of the #Ghibli trend, are a testament to the festival’s vibrant spirit and Goa’s rich cultural diversity. As the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Sawant’s participation in this trend is a wonderful way to promote Goan culture and traditions, both nationally and internationally.