If you love travelling, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to Goa. The state's much-awaited Shigmo Festival is set to take place from March 15 to March 29, 2025. This grand spring festival will bring Goa's streets to life with an extraordinary display of culture, tradition and festivity. Shigmo is one of Goa's most vibrant festivals. It brings together colours, dance, music and stunning float parades. Often called Goa's festival of colours or the spring festival, Shigmo is a two-week-long celebration filled with lively performances, traditional folk dances and grand processions that light up the streets with energy and culture.
Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte talked about how the Shigmo Festival presents the beauty of Goa. He said, “Shigmo is a time when Goa's cultural essence comes alive through folk performances, music, and stunning float parades. It is an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Goan traditions while exploring the beauty of our state. We encourage travellers to be part of this unique celebration and discover the many facets of Goa beyond its beaches.”
The state's Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik said, “Shigmo is not just a festival; it is a reflection of Goa's vibrant traditions and community spirit. Every year, it brings together artists, performers, and visitors to celebrate our rich heritage. We welcome everyone to experience this grand spectacle and witness Goa in its most colourful and joyous form.”
Here is all you need to know about Shigmo Festival 2025:
Dates And Locations Of The Festivities
The celebrations for the Shigmo Festival 2025 will begin on March 15 in Ponda, setting the stage for the vibrant processions that will follow. The festive spirit will then carry on to Margao on March 16, Quepem on March 17, and Curchorem on March 18. Each location adds its own charm to the revelry. On March 19, the festival will move to Shiroda, followed by Calangute and Bicholim on March 20. The energy will continue to spread as Vasco hosts the festivities on March 21, and the state's capital, Panaji, comes alive with celebrations on March 22.
As the Shigmo Festival progresses, the excitement will take over Mapusa and Sanguem on March 23. On March 24, Canacona and Cuncolim will add to the spectacle with their unique interpretations of the festival's traditions. The celebrations will then move to Pernem on March 25, Dharbandora on March 26, Valpoi on March 27 and Sanquelim on March 28. The grand finale of the event will take place in Mandrem on March 29.
History Of This Vibrant Festival
Like every festival in India, Shigmo has a story behind it. Back in the day, this festival was a grand welcome for warriors returning home after battle. These brave soldiers had left their families behind at the end of Dussehra to fight invaders, and when they came back, the entire community celebrated their homecoming with music, dance and colourful processions.
People performed traditional folk dances and re-enacted scenes from mythological tales, turning it into a massive celebration. Over time, this tradition evolved into the vibrant and energetic festival that Goa celebrates today.
Be it music, dance, or cultural storytelling, every moment of the Shigmo Festival is an experience to cherish. Whether you are visiting Goa for the first time or returning to witness its magic again, Shigmo promises to be an unforgettable journey.
