When it comes to festivals in Goa, great enthusiasm and zeal is a given. And that enthusiasm and zeal came to town (read Panjim, here) in the form of Shigmotsav, giving people the much-needed respite from their daily routine.
Following a colourful performance in Bicholim the day before, the capital city welcomed the parade with open arms. The streets were decked up and the enthusiastic crowd was eager to shout, vassay!
Following the route from the Old Secretariat to the Old GMC complex, the parade was made up of 28 floats, 13 romtamels and seven folk dance troupes. In addition to that, the junior fancy dress category had 50 participants while the senior category had 18.
Shumbham, who along with his group, participated in the Shigmotsav parades in Ponda, Calangute, Sanquelim and Bicholim was particularly excited for Panjim Shigmotsav.
“Panjim is our city, so we’re very excited to perform here today and we will strive to give our best performance,” he said as he wished all the other participants good luck.
Just a few metres away, amidst the fun and chaos, were four teenage girls. All dressed in white, standing with flags in their hands, they dispersed and left behind Priya who is from the Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Quepem group. Although shy at first, Priya was later in full form dancing her way through the parade like nobody’s watching.
“Take a picture of us, too!” yelled Sonu Naik from Reis Magos. Sonu, who happily posed in front of his float was full of adrenaline to participate in the Shigmotsav parade for the first time ever and start in Panjim.
The junior fancy dress category had the crowd in awe as parents went above and beyond to dress their kids up in several different characters ranging from Hindu mythology to raising awareness on current issues.
As for the floats, they were meticulously designed and exuded a vibrant and captivating appearance from all perspectives. They exemplified exceptional skill and a deep affection for the festival, like always.
The parade will now travel to Porvorim, tomorrow, March 31, 2024, and will go on to showcase the rich display of culture and festivity at Pernem, Canacona, Vasco, Shiroda, Curchorem, Qupem, Dharbandora, Margao, Mapusa, Sanguem, Cuncolim and Valpoi until April 8, 2024.