Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo 2026, cultural festivals, highlighting its folk customs through song, dance, and artistic manifestations. A meeting to discuss the planning of the Shigmo float parades across several centers in the State was convened by Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Kuldeep Arolkar.
With careful planning for logistics, adherence to deadlines, and advertising tactics meant to increase the festival’s appeal and reach, the talks centred on making sure the Shigmo celebrations ran smoothly and successfully.
The meeting was followed by a press conference, at which Goa tourist delegations formally announced the dates, centres, and other crucial aspects of Shigmo 2026.
Addressing the media, Director of Tourism Naik informed that the Shigmo will be held from March 5th, 2026 to March 18th, 2026, with colourful float parades staged throughout 19 sites in the State. The celebrations will start in Ponda on March 5, move on to Calangute on March 6, Panaji on March 7, Mapusa on March 8, Mandrem on March 9, Bicholim on March 10, Sanquelim on March 11, Shiroda and Sanguem on March 12, Dharbandora and Cuncolim on March 13, Margao on March 14, Porvorim and Vasco on March 15, Valpoi and Curchorem on March 16, Quepem and Canacona on March 17, and finally, Pernem on March 18, 2026.
Naik further told that the Department offers each committee with the two sorts of funding for Shigmo festivities every year i.e. infrastructure support and prize money. This year, an additional increase of INR 1 lakh in infrastructure support would be offered to further reinforce arrangements at festival venues.
It was also stressed that parade routes are to be decided by the individual Shigmotsav Committees with prior clearances, in cooperation with the Traffic Cell, to guarantee smooth traffic movement and public convenience. A maximum team size of 150 members is part of a new set of rules for Romtamel groupings.
The meeting was attended by representatives of several Municipal Councils from the festival centers, as well as representatives from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director (Tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar, and other relevant departments, demonstrating coordinated planning for the successful execution of Shigmo Festival 2026.
