About Shigmo

शिगमो

00 days

Happy Shigmo
शिगम्याच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा
शिगमो की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं

127 wishes · 3 languages · 2 photo designs · Updated October 2026

About Shigmo

Shigmo, or Shigmotsav, is the great spring festival of Goa. It comes in the month of Phalgun, around Holi, when the rabi harvest is in and the days grow warm. For the farming families of Goa it has always been a time to rest, sing and dance after the hard work of the fields.

There are two forms. Dhakto or small Shigmo is kept in the villages by farming communities, and Vhadlo or big Shigmo is kept by everyone, with temple rituals, colours and folk dances. Villages raise festive flags, and groups go from temple to temple singing naman songs.

The best known part today is the Shigmo parade. For about two weeks after Holi, towns such as Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda take turns to host float parades. Troupes dance the ghode modni horse dance, fugdi and romtamel to the beat of the dhol, the tasha and the ghumat, and huge floats show stories from the epics.

Shigmo is a festival of joy and colour for all Goans. Homes cook festive meals, friends throw gulal, and people living outside Goa often plan a trip home to see the parade in their own town.

How people celebrate Shigmo

Float parades in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda
Ghode modni, fugdi and romtamel folk dances
Dhol, tasha and ghumat drums
Naman songs from temple to temple
Colourful flags in the villages
Gulal and festive meals at home

How to wish well

Greet from Holi through the two weeks of parades; each town has its own parade day.
Wishes about colour, drums, dance and spring suit the day best.
Many Goans speak Konkani; a simple "Happy Shigmo" in English is warm and welcome too.
Shigmo is a cheerful festival, so light and funny wishes are fine among friends.

Questions about Shigmo

When is Shigmo 2027?

Shigmo parades in Goa usually start the day after Holi and go on for about two weeks. In 2027 that is from 23 March, but each town announces its own parade date.

What is Shigmo?

Shigmo is Goa's spring festival in the month of Phalgun, with folk dances, drums, colours and float parades in many towns.

What is the difference between Dhakto and Vhadlo Shigmo?

Dhakto or small Shigmo is kept by farming communities in the villages. Vhadlo or big Shigmo is kept by everyone, with temple rituals and bigger celebrations.

Where can I see the Shigmo parade?

Parades are held in many towns across Goa, such as Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda, each on its own day.

Which dances are seen at Shigmo?

Ghode modni, the horse dance, fugdi, romtamel and many other folk dances, played to dhol, tasha and ghumat drums.

How do you wish someone on Shigmo?

Say "Happy Shigmo". In Marathi, "Shigmyachya hardik shubhechha".