Panaji, Feb 3: Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo 2026, one of the State’s most vibrant cultural festivals, showcasing its rich folk traditions through music, dance, and artistic performances.
A meeting to discuss the organisation of the Shigmo float parades across the State was chaired by Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Shri Kuldeep Arolkar. Discussions focused on ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the celebrations, covering logistics, timelines, and promotional strategies to enhance the festival’s appeal and reach.
Following the meeting, a press conference was held during which Shri Kedar Naik, along with Shri Kuldeep Arolkar and Deputy General Manager GTDC Shri Deepak Narvekar, officially announced the dates, centres, and other key details of Shigmo 2026.
Shigmo 2026 Schedule:
The festival will be celebrated from 5th March to 18th March 2026, with colourful float parades organised across 19 centres in the State:
5th March: Ponda
6th March: Calangute
7th March: Panaji
8th March: Mapusa
9th March: Mandrem
10th March: Bicholim
11th March: Sanquelim
12th March: Shiroda and Sanguem
13th March: Dharbandora and Cuncolim
14th March: Margao
15th March: Porvorim and Vasco
16th March: Valpoi and Curchorem
17th March: Quepem and Canacona
18th March: Pernem
Shri Naik highlighted that the Department provides each committee with two types of grants for Shigmo celebrations infrastructure support and prize money. This year, an additional INR 1 lakh in infrastructure assistance will be provided to further strengthen arrangements at festival centres.
Parade routes will be finalised by the respective Shigmotsav Committees in consultation with the Traffic Cell to ensure smooth traffic flow and public convenience. Committees have been instructed to adhere strictly to all prescribed rules and regulations.
New guidelines have been framed for Romtamel groups, including a maximum team size of 150 participants. Shigmo processions are to commence by 4:00 pm and conclude within the government-prescribed time limits.
Representatives from various Municipal Councils, along with officials from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, and other concerned departments, were present at the meeting, reflecting coordinated planning for a successful festival.
Shigmo Festival 2026 promises to bring together communities and visitors to experience Goa’s living cultural traditions through vibrant floats, folk performances, and festive celebrations across the State.
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