Shigmotsav or Shigmo is a prominent Hindu festival in Goa. The majority of population of Goa is Hindu which explains the ardor with which the variety of the Hindu festivals is celebrated in Goa. Shigmotsav or Shigmo is a festival of colors and the celebrations extends to five days. Shigmotsav or Shigmo is celebrated in the villages with gusto and has a lot of similarity with Holi or Spring festival. The celebrations assume a big proportion in Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco-da-Gama and Margao.
During Shigmotsav or Shigmo, a parade dance is performed by the traditional folk dancers who are joined by the street dancers. The dancers carry hand-crafted floats that have mythological and religious significance. Shigmotsav or Shigmo is celebrated in March. The time of the celebration coincides with the Carnival. There are two varieties of the festival, the Dhakto Shigmo and the Vodlo Shigmo. Dhakto Shigmo is celebrated by the agriculturists, the labor class and the rural population. Dhakto Shigmo means ‘small Shigmo' which implies that the celebrations are on a smaller scale. The Vodlo Shigmo or the ‘big Shigmo' is jointly celebrated and everybody participates in the festivities irrespective of class. Vodlo Shigmo begins with Holi Purnima and extends to five days.
The festivities associated with Shigmotsav or Shigmo include the singing of the ritualistic choral songs and dances that are performed amidst the village gathering. The dance is accompanied by two types of songs, the Naman and the Jot. Dol and drums feature prominently in the performances. Shigmotsav or Shigmo is wrapped up with a collective bath.
