Land of beaches, Goa, is celebrating its colourful annual street festival of folk songs and folk dances, 'Shigmo Festival', a social carnival which doesn't fail to attract tourists from across the world, despite all the heat and humidity in Goa.
The 26th ‘Shigmo Festival’ is a fifteen day long affair (March 16th to 30th) which commemorates the homecoming of warriors of Goa who fought the invaders. It also bids adieu to the winter season.
The festival fills the state with colour, music and dance. Huge processions of men clad in elaborate costumes and holding heavy props, depicting the life of a resident of Goa through folk performances are carried out during the festival.
If you go to Goa during Shigmotsav 2014, you’re sure to experience the rich Goan art and culture, though the heat of the day could be something of a worry.
“Weather in Goa during Shigmotsav could be very sunny and hot. Maximums could easily shoot up to 34⁰C. Humidity during morning hours could be as high as 80% which may add to the discomfort of those visiting the state. Nights however, could be much cooler and breezy. According to latest weather update, the minimum temperature could settle around 23⁰C and the wind speed could be up to 20 kmph at night”, says G.P Sharma of Skymet’s Meteorological Division in India.
If the weather forecast doesn't bother you, then head out during the day and enjoy the processions on the street to the fullest. Others wanting to avoid the tan need to wait for the night to arrive so that the weather turns pleasant and cool to visit the beach.
There are 14 ‘Shigmo’ committees in Goa and the festival is celebrated in different parts of the state. For remaining days of ‘Shigmo Festival’, venues could be Vasco and Thivim on the 26th March, Sanguem (27th), Quepem(28th), Valpoi (29th March). The last day of the event, i.e. 30th March, will be at Cunculim. ‘Shigmo Festival’ has been declared as the state festival by the government.
Photo by incredibleindia.
