Planning A March Trip To Goa? Check The Shigmo Festival 2026 Dates Before You Book

Panaji, Goa | March 4, 2026

The Government of Goa has officially announced the dates for the Shigmo Festival 2026, one of the state’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. The festival will be organised from March 5 to March 18, 2026, featuring colourful parades, traditional folk dances, music performances and cultural processions across 19 centres in the state.

Shigmo, a major spring festival in Goa, is a grand showcase of the state’s cultural heritage, folk traditions and community celebrations, drawing thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.

Official Announcement

The festival schedule and key arrangements were finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte, in the presence of Tourism Director Kedar Naik and GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar.

Following the meeting, a press conference was held to formally announce the festival dates, venues and organisational guidelines.

Festival Schedule Across Goa

The Shigmo processions will be held in the following locations:

• March 5 – Ponda
• March 6 – Calangute
• March 7 – Panaji
• March 8 – Mapusa
• March 9 – Mandrem
• March 10 – Bicholim
• March 11 – Sanquelim
• March 12 – Shiroda and Sanguem
• March 13 – Dharbandora and Cuncolim
• March 14 – Margao
• March 15 – Porvorim and Vasco
• March 16 – Valpoi and Curchorem
• March 17 – Quepem and Canacona
• March 18 – Pernem

Parade routes will be finalised by local Shigmotsav Committees in coordination with traffic authorities to ensure smooth traffic movement during the festivities.

Key Guidelines for Shigmo 2026

Authorities have also finalised operational guidelines for the festival:

• Romtamel dance groups will be limited to a maximum of 150 participants per group
• All processions must begin by 4 pm and conclude within timelines set by local administrations
• An additional ₹1 lakh infrastructure grant will be provided for strengthening arrangements at each festival centre

Cultural Significance

Shigmo Festival is known for traditional performances such as Romtamel, a folk dance performed with drums and cymbals, symbolising Goa’s rural traditions, mythology and agrarian culture. The festival plays a key role in promoting cultural tourism and preserving Goa’s indigenous art forms.

With large-scale preparations underway, Shigmo Festival 2026 is expected to draw massive participation from locals and tourists, reinforcing Goa’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination in India.