Shigmotsav showcasing rich Indian culture enthralls all

Panaji, Mar 10 (UNI) Shigmotsav, showcasing the rich traditional Indian culture and communal harmony, got underway here today, enthralling thousands of spectators.

The event, organised by Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, was assisted by the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Goa.

More than 50 floats, besides several cultural troupes, participated in the annual parade. The participants sang bhajans, and performed dances to drum beats. Mythological characters were also on display.

''It is held not only to boost upcoming talent in art and culture but to showcase various traditional dance forms, besides sending the message of peace and communal harmony across the world through foreign tourists thronging Goa,'' Samiti president and industrialist Srinivas V Dempo said.

A UNI correspondent witnessed thousands of people lined on either side of the 18th June Road behind the barricades to enjoy the event amid tight security arrangements.

Artistes in their colourful costumes and holding swords were seen performing ''horse dances''. They danced to the heart-throbbing drum beats, while a batch of women dancers performed scintillating dances, holding brass lamps on their heads.

Several sadhus and sants, including impersonators of Shiridi ke Saibaba and mythological Narada and other demonic characters, also took part in the parade.

Children, accompanied by the elders, were seen driving ''sacrificial goats'' for offering them to a semi-goddess, a ritual practiced in remote villages, despite a ban on animal sacrifice.

School children in colourful uniforms had lined the streets and danced in rhythm to the tunes of whistles and drums.

For foreigners, it was a rare event, with several taking pictures and recording on their video cameras.

About 25 floats, 20 folk dance troupes, 15 drummers and hundereds of villagers and people in fancy dresses and colourful costumes came from Kolhapur and Sangli in neighbouring Maharashtra, to participate in the mega cultural fiesta.

Last month, the city had witnessed yet another mega cultural event ''Carnival'' that showcased the Western culture.

UNI