The Shigmo festival is a five-day cultural event that takes place in the Konkan region of Goa. Commonly known as Holi in the other regions of India, Shigmo is celebrated during the spring season. This auspicious occasion for Hindus celebrates the vibrancy of colours which goes on for five days.
The Hindus celebrate the festival by building and painting elaborate murals and idols depicting old folklores and scenes from Hindu Mythology. Dance performances are organised by the local groups dressed in shiny and flashy traditional costumes. The float parade is the main attraction of the Shigmo festival. The festive energy that surrounds the Konkani region of Goa during the festival attracts tourists from India and beyond as it envelopes the whole area with its playful celebrations of colours.
Date Of Shigmo Festival 2024
Shigmo Festival is celebrated in the month of Phagun (March), starting from the 9th Moon day to the full-moon day. The festival will begin with the Naman (song) and the collective acknowledgement of the villagers. On the first day of the festival, the priest will bathe the village deity and dress the idol in saffron robes. On the 5th day, the ‘Rang Panchami’ will begin. 5th day is celebrated with ample use of Gulal or powdered colours.
The villagers smear colours on each other in a playful way. On the 11th and 15th day, the villagers dress up in vibrant and flashy costumes, carry flags, beat the drums, and blow the flutes as they assemble at the village temples. They perform many folk dances like Ghode-Morni, Talgadi, Hanpet, Lamp dance, Gopha, Rommatamel, and 'Fugdi' as part of the festivities.
History of Shigmo Festival
The Shigmo Festival of Goa is celebrated in the Phalguna month according to the Saka calendar of the Hindu community. This auspicious occasion occurs every year around March. The Phalguna month is related to the lunar calendar and hence the date changes every year. The word “Shigmo” is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sugrishmaka’ and the Prakrit word ‘Suggimaho’. There are two versions of the Shigmo festival, the DhaktoShigmo, and the Vhadlo Shigmo. The Dhakto Shigmo is celebrated by the labour class, rural population, and farmers, whereas the Vhadlo Shigmo is celebrated by everyone.
The Shigmo festival is celebrated all over India but with different names. The most common version of Shigmo is the Holi festival which is celebrated in North India, it is known as Dolyatra in Assam and Bengal, in South India it is called Kamadahan and it is known as Shimga in Maharashtra. The Puranic legends hold the origin of the festival. According to one such legend, Prahlad’s aunt Holika provoked her brother Hiranyakashapu to inflict torture on Prahlad to stop him from chanting the name of Lord Vishnu. And then, Holika was chased by the people and finally burnt to death. Other folklore suggests that the Shigmo festival is celebrated to commemorate the death of Putana by Lord Krishna.
Highlights of Shigmo Festival 2024
The Shigmo Festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases the cultural vibrancy of Goa. It is a time when locals and visitors come together to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, dance, and colours of the festival, making it a must-see event for anyone interested in experiencing the cultural essence of Goa. Here are some major highlights of the event:
1. Parades and Floats: The festival is characterised by elaborate processions and parades known as "float parades." These parades feature beautifully decorated floats, known as "ghodemodni," which are crafted with intricate designs, vibrant colours, and depict mythological scenes and cultural themes. The floats are accompanied by traditional music, dance, and performances.
2. Holi-like Celebrations: Shigmo Festival is often referred to as the Goan version of Holi, as it incorporates elements of the Hindu festival of colours. People participate in playful colour fights, smearing each other with vibrant powders, and splashing water. It is a joyful and exuberant celebration that brings people together in a festive spirit.
3. Traditional Folk Dances: Shigmo Festival is renowned for its traditional folk dances performed by local communities and artists. One of the most popular dance forms is the "Romtamel," a dance performed by men and women in traditional attire, with colourful costumes, and rhythmic movements. Other folk dances like "Ghode Modni," "Fugdi," "Dhalo," and "Goff" are also performed during the festival.
4. Music and Percussion: Music and percussion play a significant role in Shigmo celebrations. Traditional musical instruments like the dhol, tasha, and shehnai are played, creating a lively and energetic ambiance. The rhythmic beats of the instruments accompany the dance performances and add to the festive spirit of the event.
5. Street Performances: The streets of Goa come alive during the Shigmo Festival with street performances by local artists and troupes. These performances include folk dances, music, theatre, and other forms of traditional arts. Spectators can enjoy these impromptu shows while strolling through the festival grounds.
6. Traditional Attire: During Shigmo Festival, people dress up in traditional Goan attire. Men wear "Kurta" or "Dhoti" paired with a turban or a traditional Goan headgear called "Pheta." Women adorn themselves in vibrant "Nauvari" sarees, a nine-yard saree draped in a unique Maharashtrian style, along with traditional jewellery.
7. Cultural Exhibitions: Various cultural exhibitions are organised during Shigmo Festival, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Goa. These exhibitions feature handicrafts, traditional artworks, local cuisine, and other aspects of Goan culture. Visitors can explore and learn about the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
How To Reach Shigmo Festival 2024
Shigmo festival in Goa has gained popularity by preserving the Konkani culture and promoting it by putting up spectacular dance performances and parades by the villagers. Goa is well connected by the other cities of India via national highways. Here’s how you can reach Goa via the following routes.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Bengaluru
- Nearest airbase. Goa International Airport
- Nearest railhead. Madgaon Railway Station
- Distance from Bangalore. 582 Kms
By Air
You can easily catch a flight to Goa from different Indian cities. Goa International Airport is the major airport of Goa. This airport is operated by the Airport Authority of India primarily as a Civil Enclave. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to travel the remaining distance by cab or by local bus. Goa has very extensive public transportation like buses and cabs which connect the towns and villages within the boundaries of Goa. Thus, travelling within Goa would be quite a hassle-free experience for you.
- Distance from Goa International Airport. 16 Kms
By Road
Goa can be travelled via well-maintained road networks. Follow the below route to easily reach Goa.
- Distance from Nashik. 660 Kms
- Distance from Belgaum. 103 Kms
- Distance from Aurangabad. 678 Kms
- Distance from Ratnagiri. 239 Kms
You can also board the interstate buses to reach here. Kadamba Transport Corporation - The government of Goa provides punctual bus services to and fro nearby towns and villages.
By Train
Goa has mainly two major railway stations one is known as Madgaon and the other is known as Vasco da Gama. Both of these train stations are located in south Goa.
However, the Madgaon Railway Station is the primary train station. This station comes under the Karwar Railway Region of the Konkan Railways in Goa. One of the best features of this station is that it offers free Wi-Fi connectivity. Here is how you can reach Goa by train:
- Delhi - Goa Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station
- Pune - Goa Express from Pune Junction
- Ahmedabad - VRL TVC Express from Ahmedabad Junction
- Bengaluru - YPR VSG Express from Yesvantpur Junction
After you deboard at the station, you can easily take public transportation like a bus or a private taxi to travel to your desired destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shigmo Festival
Q. Why is the Shigmo Festival celebrated?
A. Shigmo Festival is a festival of colours just like Holi in north India. This festival is celebrated in the month of ‘Falgun’ as per Saka calendar.
Q. Where is Shigmo celebrated?
A. Also known as Shigmotsav, Shigmo Festival is a spring festival which is celebrated in Konkan region of Goa. You can book flights, hotels, buses and holiday packages with Adotrip to get unmatched offers and deals.
Q. What is the significance of Shigmo Festival?
A. Shigmo Festival holds cultural and religious significance in Goa. It marks the arrival of spring and is a time of celebration, joy, and rejuvenation. The festival also serves as an occasion to honour and showcase Goan traditions, music, dance, and local craftsmanship.
Q. Which flights are available to Reach Shigmo Festival in Goa?
A. Here is the list of all the popular flights to Goa
Q. What are the highlights of Shigmo Festival?
A. The highlights of Shigmo Festival include colourful float parades, traditional folk dances like Romtamel and Ghode Modni, vibrant music and percussion, Holi-like colour celebrations, traditional attire, cultural exhibitions, and street performances.
Q. Can tourists participate in Shigmo Festival celebrations?
A. Yes, tourists are welcome to join in the Shigmo Festival celebrations in Goa. They can witness the vibrant float parades, enjoy the folk dances, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. It is a great opportunity for visitors to experience Goan culture and traditions firsthand.
