“Protecting and continuing such cultural practices is a collective responsibility of every citizen,” said Rane, who is also chairman of the Sattari Shigmotsav Committee.
He was speaking in Valpoi after inaugurating the traditional Shigmo procession organised jointly by the tourism department, Goa Tourism Development Corporation and the Sattari Shigmotsav Committee on Monday.
Rane stated that different villages in Sattari continue to preserve unique folk art traditions. “Our ancestors dedicated their lives to preserving these art forms, cultural traditions and religious beliefs. Therefore, it is essential that society ensures these traditions continue without interruption,” said the minister.
He appealed to the younger generation to actively participate and carry forward folk arts, dances, traditional costumes and cultural performances.
Rane also mentioned that efforts will be made to expand the Shigmotsav further in the coming years. Every village in Sattari will be given an opportunity to present its folk art forms. At the same time, villages from other talukas of Goa will also be encouraged to participate in this cultural festival.
The Shigmo procession began with traditional rituals and worship. The ceremonial coconut breaking marked the start of the procession at Manus Aathwada Junction. Residents of Masurde village initiated the festivities with traditional attire and enthusiastic participation.
Accompanied by the beats of traditional drums and cultural performances, the procession later reached Valpoi city where the main programme was held.
Thousands of people witnessed the festival, which continued until early morning. The committee arranged folk performances at two different locations where people enthusiastically enjoyed various traditional art forms.
Valpoi city was decorated with attractive lighting and rangoli designs at various places, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere throughout Valpoi. Volunteers were deployed by the committee to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and to assist citizens.
Among those present on the dais were the committee’s reception chairperson and Valpoi Municipal Chairperson Prasanna Gauns, committee vice-president Vinod Shinde, Namdev Chari, Nilesh Parwar, Premnath Dalvi, sarpanches Udaysingh Rane, Preeti Gavkar, Pratima Vandekar, Urmila Gauns, Shivdas Madkar, Nitesh Gavde, Vinayak Gauns, Amit Shirodkar, Deepa Naik, Akshata Gaonkar, and others.
