Crowds gather for a folk festival in Rivona

The varied traditions of Shigmo-related festivities in different villages in Goa have commenced, getting Goans excited for Holi and

Shigmo

. One gets to witness folk songs and dances, the beats of the dhol, rituals involving fire, trees and other elements of nature and more. It becomes extravagant showcase of Goa's cultural heritage over a few weeks.

In Rivona, devotees get together for the Shri Vighneshwar

Ravalnath Mell

, where in they recite naman (folksongs sung by the village elders). Over the days there are several rituals that take place, that culminates into Holi celebration. The folk dance of Goff is performed the men.

Ajay Naik

from Rivona tells us, "There are members from five communities who take part in the folk dance. We start with prayers to lord Rama. We seek blessings of the deity and go ahead with the ceremonies. We visit houses of five community members. The traditions as part of the festival are passed down to us by our ancestors, and we follow it annually. The kids starts practicing the folk dances for this a month in advance, to be performed during a procession from house to house."