Pranav Birje | The News Bulletins
Panaji, February 2, 2026: Goa is all set to celebrate Shigmo 2026, one of the State’s most vibrant cultural festivals, showcasing its rich folk traditions through music, dance, and artistic expressions. A meeting to discuss the organisation of the Shigmo float parades across various centres in the State was chaired by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik and Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Shri Kuldeep Arolkar.
The discussions focused on ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the Shigmo celebrations, with detailed planning on logistics, adherence to timelines, promotional strategies aimed at enhancing the festival’s appeal and reach.
The meeting was followed by a press conference, during which Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, along with Managing Director, GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, and Deputy General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC Shri Deepak Narvekar, officially announced the dates, centres, and other key details of Shigmo 2026.
Addressing the media, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik informed that the Shigmo will be held from 05th March 2026 to 18th March 2026, with colourful float parades organised across 19 centres in the State. The festivities will commence in Ponda on 5th March, followed by Calangute on 6th March, Panaji on 7th March, Mapusa on 8th March, Mandrem on 9th March, Bicholim on 10th March, Sanquelim on 11th March, Shiroda and Sanguem on 12th March, Dharbandora and Cuncolim on 13th March, Margao on 14th March, Porvorim and Vasco on 15th March, Valpoi and Curchorem on 16th March, Quepem and Canacona on 17th March, and concluding at Pernem on 18th March 2026.
Shri Naik further informed that the Department provides each committee with the two types of grants for Shigmo celebrations every year i.e. infrastructure support and prize money. This year, an additional enhancement of ₹1 lakh in infrastructure assistance will be provided to further strengthen arrangements at festival centres.
It was also emphasised that parade routes are to be finalised by the respective Shigmotsav Committees with prior permissions, in consultation with the Traffic Cell, to ensure smooth traffic movement and public convenience. Committees were instructed to strictly adhere to all prescribed rules and regulations. A new set of guidelines for Romtamel groups has been framed, including a maximum team size of 150 participants. The Shigmo processions should commence by 4:00 pm and conclude within the time limit of Government.
Representatives of various Municipal Councils from the festival centres, along with officials from the Police Department, Traffic Cell, Fire and Emergency Services, Assistant Director (Tourism) Shri Jayesh Kankonkar and other concerned departments were present at the meeting, reflecting coordinated planning for the successful conduct of Shigmo Festival 2026.
Shigmo Festival 2026 is expected to once again bring together communities and visitors to experience Goa’s living cultural traditions through vibrant floats, folk performances, and festive celebrations across the State.