In Goa Holi is celebrated as Shigmo

One of the most celebrated events in Goa is the Shigmo festival. It is celebrated all through Goa in a grand manner. The Shigmo festival in Goa lasts almost a fortnight and is celebrated with much joy and fervor among the Goans. The Shigmo festival is known as Shigmotsav in Goa. It is similar to the festival known as Holi that is celebrated in north India. People enjoy this festival by playing with colored powder and water with friends and relatives.The Shigmo festival is celebrated around March every year and the dates vary according to the Hindu calendar that is based on lunar cycles. It is celebrated just before the Catholic time period of lent during which fasting and abstinence from alcohol and other vices is observed. Since the period of lent lasts almost a month, the Shigmo festival is celebrated to indulge in merry making “one last time”. The Shigmo festival starts with the appearance of the moon on the ninth day and ends on the full moon day.

Shigmo festival is celebrated by organizing large fairs and parades in Goa. Many small communities and groups of people come together and prepare colorful tableaux. They dress up as colorful characters and take part in the processions actively with much enthusiasm. Most of these tableaux are based on mythology and many popular legends. Some tableaux also depict important happenings depicted in the holy epics. It is basically a time to enjoy to the hilt and indulge in true festive spirit of Goa.