Porvorim, Mar 16: The vibrant spirit of Shigmotsav 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Porvorim, bringing together locals, visitors, and cultural groups in a grand display of tradition, music, and community participation. The celebrations highlighted Goa’s rich cultural heritage through lively Romtamel performances and cultural showcases reflecting the pride and identity of the region.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Tourism Minister; Kedar J. Naik, Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and MLA of Saligao; Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; and Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Also present were local representatives and community leaders including Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch of Penha De Franca; Sonia Pednekar, Sarpanch of Socorro; Reshma Bandodkar, Chairman of North Goa Zilla Panchayat; Sandeep Salgaonkar, ZP Member of Penha De Franca; and Amit Asnodkar, ZP Member of Socorro, along with other Zilla Panchayat and Panchayat members and residents of Porvorim and Saligao.
Addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Goa’s cultural identity. He said,
“In Saligao and Porvorim this year we have celebrated Shigmotsav in a big way, giving people an opportunity to be part of the celebrations. Last year, considering the ongoing flyover work and the sentiments of the community, we decided to celebrate Shigmotsav differently. With the new lane and the service road, we have now been able to begin the festivities together with the people. While keeping traffic considerations in mind and excluding the floats this year, we ensured that traditions such as Romtamel and fancy dress presentations continue to showcase our culture, tradition and pride.”
He further added that these celebrations inspire future generations to carry forward Goa’s rich traditions.
“Under the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and through the ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative, we will continue to showcase Goa’s true culture in its most authentic form,” he said.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik also emphasized the significance of community participation in sustaining Goa’s traditional festivals.
“Shigmotsav is an integral part of Goa’s cultural fabric and celebrations like these reaffirm the strong community spirit that keeps our traditions alive. Through such initiatives, we aim to encourage greater participation from locals while also giving visitors an opportunity to experience the authentic cultural heritage of Goa,” he noted.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from cultural groups and residents, with traditional performances and festive gatherings transforming Porvorim into a vibrant cultural hub for the evening. The event also attracted tourists who experienced Goa’s rich traditions beyond its beaches, reinforcing the state’s vision of promoting cultural tourism.
Shigmotsav celebrations will continue across various locations in Goa over the coming days, featuring vibrant parades, cultural performances, and community festivities that reflect the enduring spirit of this cherished festival.
