Shigmo 2027 in Goa: Float Parades & Folk Dances
Shigmo is Goa's spring festival, celebrated by the Hindu community around the full moon of Phalguna, which in 2027 falls on 21 and 22 March, the dates of Holika Dahan and Holi. Goa Tourism's calendar lists the state Shigmo festival for March 2027 in Panaji, Margao, Vasco and other towns; the town-by-town parade schedule had not been announced when we checked in October 2026, and it is normally released a few weeks before. Shigmo has two forms. Dhakto Shigmo, the smaller one, belongs to farming villages and ends on the full moon; Vhadlo Shigmo, the big one, starts on the full moon and runs for five days at village temples, with whole communities taking part. The public face of the festival is the series of state-sponsored parades held in a different town each evening, usually opening in Ponda. They begin at dusk with romtamel, processions of drummers and dancers in turbans carrying banners and umbrellas, then folk dances such as the horse dance ghode modni, and finally large illuminated floats showing scenes from the epics. The parades run late into the night and are free to watch. This page lists Shigmo parades and programmes as dates are confirmed.
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Listings for this usually appear a few weeks before the dates — we add them every morning. Meanwhile: this weekend · free events · today
Good to know
- The floats are illuminated, so the best part of a Shigmo parade is after dark. Parades often run past 10 pm.
- Ponda's parade is the most traditional and the most crowded. Panaji's is the easiest for visitors.
- Arrive by 5 pm for a place on the route, and expect road closures in the town centre from mid-afternoon.
- Drums are loud at close range. Bring ear protection for small children.
- Check the schedule on this page nearer the date; each town gets one evening.
Frequently asked questions
When is Shigmo 2027?
Shigmo is tied to the Phalguna full moon, which falls on 21–22 March 2027. The state's float-parade schedule had not been announced as of October 2026.
What is the difference between Shigmo and Carnival?
Carnival is the pre-Lent festival of Goa's Catholic community, in February. Shigmo is the Hindu spring festival around Holi, in March. Both have float parades.
Where are the Shigmo parades?
In a different town each evening. Recent years have included Ponda, Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and several taluka towns.
Is Shigmo free to watch?
Yes. The parades are on public streets.
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