Panaji: This year, the romtamel participant count for the Shigmotsav parade in Panaji has reduced from 400 to 150 to wind up the festivities by 10pm, as per the noise pollution guidelines and the model code of conduct for Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections currently in effect, said Srinivas Dempo, president of Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, on Monday.“Since the last two years, because of the massive number of participants, the procession got over at 11pm or 12am. This year, we will keep the procession till 10pm,” Dempo said.The Shigmotsav festivities will kick start in the state capital on March 3, continuing till March 8, with a float parade on March 7.Dempo said at least 50 vehicle-borne floats, with artwork based on Indian mythology, are anticipated in the procession. The folk dance competition will have a minimum of 20 participants, and the fancy dress competition will have a minimum of 30 participants.“There will be a Konkani play on March 4, a folk dance competition on March 5, musical performances on March 6, romtamel on March 7, and Lavani performances on March 8,” Dempo said.The Samiti received a total prize amount of Rs 10.6 lakh from Goa govt to distribute as cash prizes to the winners of the competitions.The Samiti will also promote three local artists — harmonium player Umakant Wadkar, theatre actor Surendra Voilvoikar, and writer and singer Maxim Pereira — for their contribution in music, art and culture.The route for the parade is the same as for the Carnival, from old Mandovi bridge to DB Ground. All authorisations and approvals were sought from mayor Rohit Monserrate for preparations for the festival.Shantaram Naik, secretary of Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, said, “We used to earlier have the processions through 18th June Road. But that is a residential area, and we received many complaints, especially from senior citizens. Hence, we decided to keep the route on the main road.”
