Panaji turnsSHIGMO CITY

Panaji: Percussive verve of dhol and tashe, the imposing cavalcade of 100 floats, and the zest of romtamel performers radiated euphoria across Panaji on Saturday evening as the Shigmo parade rolled by.
The kaleidoscopic richness of the parade attracted a huge crowd of locals as well as tourists, with the public holiday on Good Friday presenting a long weekend.
The throngs were rewarded by the festive vigour of romtamel performers and toddlers dressed in costumes heightened the celebratory spirit.
The floats began to chug along at 8.40pm on a path where decorations shone like the milestones of cheer.
People’s restlessness caused by the delay was soon alleviated by the floats’ ambitious sweep of themes and designs. Goan and Hindu mythologies were featured prominently. A float recalling Lord Ram’s journey to rescue Sita, aided by an army of vanaras, was the highlight of the parade.
The parade was held along the DB Road due to the ongoing Smart City works on the interior roads. The procession started at the Old Secretariat around 5pm and ended at the directorate of health services office at Campal.
Elaborate security arrangements were made by Goa police with the deployment of additional personnel.
Manoj Naik, a resident of Taleigao, said, “The Shigmo festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate Goan culture, traditions, and the spirit of unity.”
Trupti Goel, a Madhya Pradesh native who is in Goa for a vacation, said she was thrilled to participate in the event. “We had read about Goa’s vibrant culture but never witnessed it. I am glad we finally got a glimpse of this unique custom,” Goel said.
Due to multiple diversions for the Shigmo parade, traffic snarls hit several internal stretches, including 18th June Road. Those returning home from work had to painstakingly manoeuvre their vehicles.
The office of the chief electoral officer also took part in the Shigmo parade to create voter awareness, aiming for 100% turnout for the Lok Sabha poll. The float was themed ‘My Vote, My Power, My Duty’. Footballer and Arjuna awardee Brahamand Sankhwalkar and actor Kevin D’Mello were part of the parade.
Since the model code of conduct is in force, police stopped the music at 10pm, to the crowd’s pronounced disappointment.