Shigmotsav

Shigmotsav is a spring festival celebrated primarily in Goa by Hindu communities and, more broadly, in parts of the Konkan region. It is the Goan variant of Holi and forms part of the larger Shigmo festival that heralds the onset of spring in the area. The celebration typically takes place in Phalguna (the Hindu month that falls around February–March) and often spans several days with communal participation.

During Shigmotsav, villages stage colorful processions and float parades known as morchas. Teams or mandals, sometimes organized by local temples, villages, or cultural associations, present tableaux, songs, and dances that draw on mythological and folk narratives. Costumes are bright, and participants may smear or throw colored powders in keeping with the Holi tradition. Traditional Goan folk dances such as Fugdi and Dhalo are commonly performed, accompanied by dhol and tasha drum ensembles.

Shigmotsav serves as a community festival that promotes social cohesion, cultural expression, and a sense of local identity. While it is rooted in Hindu religious practice, the events are open to broader participation and often feature multi-ethnic spectators in Goan towns and rural areas. The festival continues to evolve with modern stage shows and community programs, but retains its core emphasis on color, music, and communal celebration of spring.