Panjim's festive look for Shigmotsav 2014

@TourismGoa  abounds in festivals & fairs around temples & churches which also commemorate legends..just in time for #Shigmotsav @nivedithg 

— Aravind Balakrishnan (@aravindbk) March 22, 2014

The festival started on 16th March, 2014 & it's celebrated in different parts of Goa Ponda, Margoa, Curchorem, Pernem & Shiroda, Panaji, Mapusa, Bicholim, Canacona & Sanquelim, Vasco & Thivim, Sanguem, Quepem, Valpoi & Dharbandora, Cuncolim  via "Shigmo Float Parade! " 30th March, 2014.

Shigmo Festival made the whole state of Goa euphoric in anticipation. Shigmo parade, in my humble opinion is a street festival where vibrant colors and overwhelming celebrations lift the spirits of the entire state. It’s an experience you cannot afford to miss & trust me it was a life time experience of Goa!!! 

This religious Hindu festival is filled with colors, music, dance and floats. In true meaning, it depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate folk perfomances by local men and women who dance tirelessly in huge processions along with the parade. The festival this year is going to kick start from 16th March, 2014. 

Goa has a unique cultural byheritage, #GoaShigmotsav @TourismGoa https://t.co/VgoFxb7sqD

— Aravind Balakrishnan (@aravindbk) March 22, 2014

I learn that the traditionally it was celebrated as spring’s biggest festival which honoring the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to fight the invaders. Traditional folk dances and enactment of mythological scenes is the major highlight of this parade.  Shigmotsav as they call it, is similar to Holi but its celebrated for 14 days in Goa. It is also a farewell to the winters.

The parade begins with a bang when the people of Goa dress up in colourful outfits, holding multi coloured flags and playing large musical instruments like the Dhol Tasha and flutes in processions across the cities. The mesmerizing larger-than-life celebration brings fantasy and folk to form a fusion in the floats that parade through the streets. 

Traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi are performed on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The shimmering floats with extensive lighting and sound effects move along with the parade gripping the attention of a huge crowd that aligns the streets of Goa.

I managed to get the best of Shigmotsav Float Parade: "  Ghodi Dance performance" & Dhol Tasha and flutes in processions !!!  

I'd like to take a moment to express my gratitude to Goa Tourism for the "Culture Tourism Concept & Hospitality!", during Shigmotsav 2014 to have experienced the rich Goan art and culture in a way I would have never ever experienced!!!