The five-day Shigmotsav 2009, which will kick-start in the city with Gulalotsav, the traditional Holi on March 11, will be introducing a number of measures on experimental and trial basis, with a view to ensure that the Shobhayatra or tableaux parade is not unnecessarily delayed. The annual event, which is being jointly organised by the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, presently in the 20th year of its establishment, and the directorate of tourism, will also include a number of contests and musical entertainment programme to be held at Azad Maidan, from March 11 to 15. It is also informed that adequate security has also been undertaken during the parade, including 65 security guards from Belgaum. The parade route will be from the Caculo Island to Azad Maidan along the 18th June Road. Presently, Shigmotsav has been recognised as a state festival and is celebrated in 13 prominent cities.
Goa Local Time
