Glimpses of Goan shigmo—celebration of culture and community

GOA'S VERSION OF HOLI

While Holi is a widely celebrated festival of colours in India, in Goa, it takes on a distinct form called Shigmo, which is deeply rooted in Goan culture and traditions. 

INTRUZ

Intruz, a festival born in the 16th century, emerged as a symbol of Goan cultural resilience. During the colonial rule, locals celebrated it as part of the Portuguese Carnival to preserve their heritage.

GADE UTSAV

Gade Utsav is an intriguing midnight ritual celebrated in several Goan villages. This festival is part of the Shigmo festivities and is dedicated to Devchar (spirit), considered the protecting spirit of the village.

SHENI UZO

This is ritual celebrated using fire in a small village called Molcornem in Goa, on the night before Holi. Devotees burn dry cow dung cakes, dance, and run through the embers.

DURIGOTSAV

A trunk of the Bombax ceiba tree is erected in front of the village temple and made slippery using oils at the Durigotsav in Goa's Shigaon. Young men attempt to climb it, testing their skill, strength, and bravery.

TONYAMEL

The Velip community in Barcem performs Tonyamel, a folk dance, where the young and the old strike bamboo sticks rhythmically on the beats of the dhol and tashe.

CHOROTSAV

On the 7th day of Shigmo, Chorotsav in Caranzol (Sattari) reenacts a scene where villagers killed some youth mistaking them as thieves. This ritual is an act of remembrance and repentance for that fatal incident.

GHODE MODNI

Folk artists from Thane, Sarvan, perform Ghode Modni, a martial dance displaying the triumphant return of warriors. Rooted in Goa’s rich Maratha heritage, this dance commemorates the bravery of local warriors.

TAALGADI

The villagers of Surla, Bicholim, conclude Shigmo by performing Taalgadi, a folk dance at Hazrat Pir Sahib Dargah, symbolising communal harmony.

DHULVAD & ROMTAMEL

Dhulvad marks the exuberant festival of colours and Romtamel brings together the people of Goa in a spirited display of vibrant attire and rhythmic beats.

NEXT: These musical instruments give Shigmo its festive sound