Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Porvorim is set to celebrate the vibrant festival of Shigmo on March 15 with traditional Romtamel and folk performances at Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. The annual celebration will be held under the leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte along with Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, with the inauguration scheduled for 4 pm.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said Shigmo represents Goa’s rich cultural identity and community spirit. He said celebrations like the one in Porvorim provide an important platform for traditional art forms such as Romtamel and folk dances to flourish while bringing people together in a festive atmosphere. He invited citizens to participate and celebrate the festival.
The event is being organised by the Porvorim Shigmo Committee with the support of local members and volunteers. Over the years, the celebration has grown into a popular cultural gathering where residents from Porvorim and neighbouring areas come together to celebrate Goa’s traditions.
In view of possible traffic congestion due to ongoing flyover construction work in the area, the organising committee has decided not to include Shigmo floats this year. Instead, the focus will remain on traditional cultural performances such as Romtamel presentations, folk dances and fancy dress competitions.
To encourage participation, the committee has announced honorariums for performers. Each Romtamel group will receive ₹5,000, while folk dance participants will receive ₹2,000 each.
Prizes have also been announced for various competitions. In the Romtamel competition, the first prize is ₹35,000, second prize ₹20,000 and third prize ₹15,000, along with six consolation prizes of ₹4,000 each. In the folk dance competition, the first prize is ₹20,000, second prize ₹15,000 and third prize ₹10,000, along with six consolation prizes of ₹4,000 each.
For the senior fancy dress competition, the first prize is ₹7,000, second prize ₹5,000 and third prize ₹4,000, along with four consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each. In the junior fancy dress competition, the first prize is ₹5,000, second prize ₹4,000 and third prize ₹3,000, along with two consolation prizes of ₹500 each.
The Porvorim Shigmo celebration continues to be an important cultural highlight for the local community, reflecting the enthusiasm and collective participation that make Goa’s traditional festivals unique.
