The Government of Goa has decided to limit the celebrations of the widely anticipated Shigmotsav, or Shigmo festivities, to three locations due to concerns over the spread of Covid-19. Traditionally, these festivities are a grand affair, spread across various villages and cities in Goa, but this year, they will only be held in Panaji, Ponda, and Mapusa.
Understanding Shigmo: The Festival of Harvest
Shigmo is a festival held primarily by the tribal communities in Goa, celebrating the ‘golden harvest of paddy.’ It marks the advent of spring and is largely celebrated by agricultural groups such as the Kunbis, Gawdas, and Velips. The festival is not just a display of cultural richness, but also a celebration of agriculture and fertility.
The Two Variants of Shigmo
Shigmo, interestingly, is celebrated in two different forms – Dhakto Shigmo and Vhadlo Shigmo. Dhakto Shigmo, which translates to ‘small Shigmo,’ is primarily celebrated by the farming population and labor class in rural areas. On the other hand, Vhadlo Shigmo, or ‘big Shigmo,’ is more significant and is celebrated by everyone in the state.
The Celebrations and Rituals
The Shigmo festivities usually span over a fortnight during the Phalgun-Chaitra months of the Hindu calendar, aligning with March-April every year. The celebrations kick off with ‘Naman,’ an invocation of local folk deities on the village stage or ‘maand.’ This ritual is accompanied by the euphoria of percussion instruments like Ghumat, Dhol, Mhadle, and Tashe, played by the male folk.
Dances and Street Parade
Various folk dances form a central part of Shigmo celebrations, most notably Ghode Modni, Gopha, and Phugadi. Further adding colors to the festivities is the Shigmo street parade with vibrant floats that has been a highlight of the festival. This annual parade is typically held in the state capital Panaji and other major cities like Margao, Mapusa, Vasco, and Ponda. This grand event, with people adorned in vibrant clothing performing traditional folk dances, tells the story of the historical Maratha War.
Shigmo Across India
While Shigmo celebrations are most prevalent in Goa, similar festivities occur all over India under different names. In North India, this celebration is known as Holi, while it’s called Dolyatra in Assam and Bengal. South India celebrates Kamadahan, and in Maharashtra, it’s known as Shimga.
Despite its regional variations and names, the spirit of the festival remains the same – a celebration of harvest, fertility, and the beauty of spring. Despite the restrictions this year, the festival’s essence will hopefully remain undiluted, bringing joy and hope to people amidst challenging times.
