Shigmotsav 2026 Begins in Ponda, heralding a statewide celebration of Goan culture

Ponda, March 6, 2026 – The vibrant statewide celebrations of Shigmotsav 2026 commenced with great enthusiasm in Ponda on March 5,  marking the beginning of a spectacular cultural journey that will unfold across 19 centres over 14 days. The grand Shigmotsav parade, organised by the Ponda Taluka Antruz Shigmotsav Samiti in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, began from Tisk-Ponda and witnessed an overwhelming response from locals and visitors alike.

The parade featured traditional Romtamel performances, captivating folk dances, vibrant fancy dress presentations, and creatively designed floats that reflected Goa’s rich traditions and mythological narratives. The streets came alive with colour, rhythm, and community participation as artists from across the Goa showcased their talent.

The inaugural celebration was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon'ble Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri Shripad Naik; Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte; Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade; President, BJP Goa Pradesh Shri Damu Naik; NRI commissioner Shri Narendra Sawaikar; Former Rajya Sabha Member Shri Vinay Tendulkar; Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, along with other dignitaries who extended their encouragement to participating troupes and organisers.

The shigmotsav parade commenced with Zareshwar Shigmotsav Mandal’s Romtamel, presented by a group of specially abled participants, setting an inspiring tone for the celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant highlighted that Shigmo remains one of Goa’s most cherished cultural festivals, offering a significant platform for local artists and traditional performers. While remembering former Agriculture Minister and MLA Ponda, late Shri Ravi Naik, said that the celebration which was earlier started in Ponda (Antruz Mahal) has today grown into a festival celebrated on a much larger scale. He noted that Shri Ravi Naik had initiated efforts to take Shigmotsav across Goa so that the festival could be celebrated widely and also contribute to strengthening the tourism sector. He added that the festival reflects the unity of the people of Goa and highlighted the vision of a clean and beautiful Goa, stating that just as people take pride in preserving their art and traditions, there is an equal responsibility to protect and care for the land of Goa.

Hon'ble Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri Shripad Naik congratulated all the participating groups for their dedication to preserving the traditions of Shigmo, noting that their hard work and commitment keep Goa’s cultural heritage alive. He said the groups put in immense effort to present the festival, and people gather to witness it in a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation. He also assured that the government stands firmly with them in their efforts to preserve and carry forward these traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte stated that Shigmotsav reflects the essence of Goa’s traditions, art forms, and storytelling legacy. With the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative started in 2022, we have focused on promoting cultural and spiritual tourism as well. Under the Ekadasha Teertha initiative, eleven temples across Goa have been identified to highlight the state’s rich spiritual heritage. Our aim is to present the true essence of Goa to visitors. We have also scaled up festivals such as Chikhal Kalo, Shigmo and Veerbhadra so that international tourists can experience Goan culture and traditions in their authentic form. He also announced that this year the infrastructure grant provided to Shigmostav committees has been increased by ₹1 lakh.

The Shigmotsav parades will continue across Goa in the coming days, bringing vibrant celebrations to different towns. After Ponda on March 5, the festivities will move to Calangute on March 6 and Panaji on March 7. The celebrations will then take over Mapusa on March 8 and Curchorem on March 9, followed by Bicholim on March 10 and Sanquelim on March 11. On March 12, the parades will be held at Shiroda and Sanguem, while Dharbandora and Cuncolim will host the celebrations on March 13. The vibrant procession will then reach Margao on March 14, followed by Vasco and Porvorim on March 15. The festivities will continue in Valpoi on March 16, Pernem and Quepem on March 17, and will culminate in Mandrem and Canacona on March 18.

The Department of Tourism invites citizens and visitors to immerse themselves in the festivities and witness the grandeur of one of Goa’s most significant cultural celebrations.