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Goa celebrates spring carnival

         Ponda (Goa): Shigmotsav, a week-long festival marking the onset of spring, began in Goa on Sunday. The streets reverberated with the sound of drumbeats and music, as people dressed in colourful costumes marched through the streets and rode on tableaux of various themes. Celebrated in tandem with the festival of colour, Holi, the carnival brought out the state's Hindu traditions. "Goan's are very talented. They have various arts and all, they can display their arts by way of this mahotsav. Secondly people from all religions, castes, they come together and they display their talents. It's an opportunity for the people," said Talaulikar, a local. Traditionally, the "Shigmotsav" is organised by farmers to relax after the winter harvest, and ahead of next season's sowing activity. Goa, known for its carnivals and New Year raves, has over the years begun celebrating other festivals with aplomb. The carnival brings to life the diverse cultural traditions of this former Portuguese colony.
-March 5,  2007