Panaji: The state capital on Saturday evening was wrapped with festive glitter amid sounds of dhol, rejoicing its rich cultural heritage — Shigmotsav. Beating the summer heat, several tourists flocked the streets from old secretariat to Kala Academy to grab a glimpse of the ever coloruful and magnificient float parade.The parade kickstarted with the rhythmic lezim dance shortly after 4.30pm. The floats, based on Indian mythological stories, were fascinating. While the folk dance competition, with participation from 20 troupes, left the crowd spellbound, the fancy dress competition was an added attraction.This year, to comply with the code of conduct in force for the election of the city corporation, the organisers brought down the number of participants in romtamell, a ritualistic Shigmo dance, from 500 to 150. “It in no way indicated that this year’s parade was any less than last year’s,” said Shirpad Chopdekar, a local.Many locals came to the parade along with their children to expose them to the state’s rich and unique cultural trove.A parade attendee, Sandeep Naik, said, “We brought our kids here so they can see Goa’s traditions beyond the beaches. The costumes and folk dances are beautiful, and the whole atmosphere is so joyful.”Liam O’Donnel, a tourist from the United Kingdom attending the parade for the first time, said, “I didn’t know much about Shigmotsav before coming here, but the cultural performances and the vibrant parade really impressed me. It feels authentic and deeply rooted in local traditions.”Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte attended the event, along with Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti president Srinivas Dempo and secretary Shantaram Naik.Khaunte said, “Shigmo float parades are being conducted across Goa, depicting state’s folklore. Shigmo indicates the richness of our cultural history. International as well as domestic tourists come to bask in the joy of this festival.”
