Staff Reporter
Ponda
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Shigmo and Carnival are unique traditions in India and play a significant role in enhancing Goa’s happiness index.
He was speaking at the launch of the statewide Shigmotsav celebrations in Ponda on Saturday. The parade was organised by the Ponda Shigmotsav Samiti in association with the Tourism Department. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, BJP state president Damu Naik, and others were present.
Sawant said the government-organised Shigmotsav is one of the best examples of integrating tradition with sustainable tourism.
“Shigmo has been transformed into a tourism event, providing a grand platform to showcase local artistes and traditional art forms across the state. Although the prize money offered does not fully cover the expenses incurred by the participating groups, the government is making efforts to promote these events, which set Goa apart from the rest. Goa’s Shigmo is often compared to Maharashtra’s, but our celebrations are unique and far superior. This form of Shigmo is celebrated only in Goa,” he said.
He added that international tourists are now visiting the state to experience Shigmo, in addition to domestic travellers.
Khaunte said the government is focussing on regenerative tourism, highlighting local traditions and village-level events to attract tourists to Goa’s hinterland. He added that the tourism event calendar is regularly updated, with festivals like Shigmo receiving special attention.
Ponda town witnessed a spectacular display of Romtamel, folk dances and floats. A massive crowd
gathered as the town reverberated with the sounds of dhol and tashe.
This year’s Ponda Shigmo featured 32 tableaus, 16 Romtamel groups, 11 folk dance groups, and over 70 fancy dress participants.
