Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral
Panaji, February 2, 2026: Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo 2026, one of the State’s most vibrant cultural festivals, showcasing its rich folk heritage through music, dance, and artistic expressions. A high-level meeting to review and plan the organisation of Shigmo float parades across various centres was chaired by Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kuldeep Arolkar.
The meeting focused on ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the festival, with discussions covering logistics, adherence to timelines, inter-departmental coordination, and promotional strategies aimed at enhancing the reach and appeal of Shigmo 2026.
Following the meeting, a press conference was held where Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik, along with MD GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar and Deputy General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC Deepak Narvekar, officially announced the festival dates, centres, and key arrangements.
Addressing the media, Naik informed that Shigmo 2026 will be celebrated from March 5 to March 18, with colourful float parades organised across 19 centres in the State. The celebrations will commence in Ponda on March 5, followed by Calangute (March 6), Panaji (March 7), Mapusa (March 8), Mandrem (March 9), Bicholim (March 10), Sanquelim (March 11), Shiroda and Sanguem (March 12), Dharbandora and Cuncolim (March 13), Margao (March 14), Porvorim and Vasco (March 15), Valpoi and Curchorem (March 16), Quepem and Canacona (March 17), and will conclude at Pernem on March 18, 2026.
The Director further stated that the Department of Tourism provides two types of grants annually for Shigmo celebrations—infrastructure support and prize money. This year, infrastructure assistance has been enhanced by an additional ₹1 lakh per centre to further strengthen festival arrangements.
It was emphasised that parade routes must be finalised by the respective Shigmotsav Committees in consultation with the Traffic Cell and with prior permissions to ensure smooth traffic flow and public convenience. Committees were instructed to strictly adhere to all prescribed rules and regulations. A new set of guidelines for Romtamel groups has also been introduced, including a cap of 150 participants per group. Shigmo processions are to begin at 4:00 pm and conclude within the stipulated government time limits.
Representatives from various Municipal Councils, officials from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar, and other concerned departments were present, reflecting coordinated planning for the successful conduct of the festival.
Shigmo Festival 2026 is expected to once again bring together communities and visitors, offering an immersive experience of Goa’s living cultural traditions through vibrant floats, folk performances, and festive celebrations across the State.
