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    Tuesday, February 3
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    Statewide Shigmo Festival 2026 to Be Held from March 5 to 18

    Team AdminBy Local News No Comments3 Mins Read

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    Team Goemkarponn

    Panaji: Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo Festival 2026, one of the State’s most vibrant cultural festivals, from March 5 to March 18, 2026, showcasing Goa’s rich folk traditions through colourful float parades, music, dance and artistic expressions across the State.

    A preparatory meeting to discuss the organisation of Shigmo float parades at various centres was chaired by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kuldeep Arolkar.

    The discussions focused on smooth execution of the festival, covering logistics, adherence to timelines and promotional strategies to enhance Shigmo’s appeal and outreach.

    The meeting was followed by a press conference, during which Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, along with MD, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, and Deputy General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC Deepak Narvekar, officially announced the dates, centres and key details of Shigmo 2026.

    Addressing the media, Kedar Naik informed that Shigmo will be celebrated across 19 centres in the State. The festivities will commence at Ponda on March 5, followed by Calangute (March 6), Panaji (March 7), Mapusa (March 8), Mandrem (March 9), Bicholim (March 10), Sanquelim (March 11), Shiroda and Sanguem (March 12), Dharbandora and Cuncolim (March 13), Margao (March 14), Porvorim and Vasco (March 15), Valpoi and Curchorem (March 16), Quepem and Canacona (March 17), and will conclude at Pernem on March 18, 2026.

    He further stated that the Tourism Department provides two types of grants to Shigmo committees every year—infrastructure support and prize money. This year, an additional ₹1 lakh enhancement in infrastructure assistance will be provided to further strengthen arrangements at festival centres.

    It was emphasised that parade routes must be finalised by the respective Shigmotsav Committees with prior permissions, in consultation with the Traffic Cell, to ensure smooth traffic movement and public convenience. Committees were instructed to strictly adhere to all prescribed rules and regulations.

    A new set of guidelines has also been framed for Romtamel groups, limiting team strength to a maximum of 150 participants. The Shigmo processions are to commence by 4:00 pm and conclude within the stipulated government time limits.

    Representatives from Municipal Councils of the festival centres, officials from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar, and other concerned departments were present, highlighting coordinated planning for the successful conduct of Shigmo Festival 2026.

    The festival is expected to once again bring together communities and visitors to experience Goa’s living cultural heritage through vibrant floats, folk performances and festive celebrations across the State.

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