The energetic people of Goa do not lag behind the rest of the
country when it comes to Holi celebrations. The festival of spring is called
Shigmo in Goa. The festival is celebrated mostly by the masses following all
religious traditions. As expected from the Goans, the festival is
accompanied with fanfare. Performance on drumbeats and epic enactment of
mythology are religiously followed. Vivid and vibrant colours of gulal and
neel are abundantly used. Shigmotav is highlighted with performances of
troupes in the form of parades and cultural dramas. At dusk, huge effigies
are taken in processions and prizes given away.
The Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti also organizes a parade in Panaji. Besides,
numerous temple around Goa also make special arrangements for Holi
celebrations. Of interest is the celebrations at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco Da
Gama and Margao.
