Holi in Goa: The Shigmo Processions
A major part of Goa’s Shigmo festival, are the processions with floats showcasing mythological characters. These draw a large crowd from all over the country and visiting tourists.
Ghode Modni Dancers (2020-03)Incredible India!
Shigmo is the festival of Holi as celebrated in the state of Goa, India, lasting 14 days. The festival is a tribute to warriors who returned home during the autumn festival Dussehra, after fighting invaders.
Elaborate Floats at the Shigmo Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
The processions are in the form of parade floats and accompanied by folk dances and traditional music that fill the streets of Goa, once a Portuguese colony.
Men Performing the Ghode Modni Dance (2020-03)Incredible India!
The last five days of the festival are when the parades take over the streets across the state in various cities and smaller villages.
Musicians Perform Together (2020-03)Incredible India!
It's not just the mythology and history, but the lives of the local people are also depicted by folk dancers to the beat of drums.
Ghode Modni Performance at the Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
Ghode Morni - The Horse Dance
Ghode Morni, a form of martial arts integrated with horse dance, is also performed in some of the parades. The dance commemorates the Maratha warriors of the past that ruled over the state.
Dancers at the Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
Romtamel
Romtamel is another popular folk dance performed during the parades. Typically seen dressed in white, with a colourful vest or waistband, and saffron headgear, they carry flags and dance to the beats of drums and cymbals.
Participant Dressed as a Mythological Character (2020-03)Incredible India!
Dressing Up as Gods
A family-fun affair is to costume up in mythological characters – gods, goddesses or even demons! The theme is not binding to mythology – some dress up as famous historical figures, others get creative!
A Little Girl in the Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
Some fancy dress competitions are held as well, with participants of all ages getting to put their best pose forward.
A Participant Dressed as a Mythological Character (2020-03)Incredible India!
The participants join in the street processions and too the vibe of the spring celebrations – it's a festival of colours and pride!
Floats in the Romtamel Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
Mythological Floats
Come eventing, the streets light up with legends coming to life as scenes and characters from mythology come to life!
Idols used in the Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
Elaborate floats depicting scenes from Hindu epics are constructed.
A Mythological Float at the Procession (2020-03)Incredible India!
These floats loom over the crowd, bright and lit up, attracting a large number of spectators.
The Procession Continues (2020-03)Incredible India!
The Last Day
During the final day of the festival, the local village deities are carried on palanquins to the village prayer halls and temples. Devotees join the parade and follow the deity to the prayer hall.
Musicians Play the Dhol (2020-03)Incredible India!
Explore more elements of Holi here.
