Goa’s biggest spring festival, Shigmotsav, runs from\u00a0March 5 to March 18, 2026, with free float parades held every evening across 19 towns. Hundreds of folk artists perform centuries-old dances like Ghode Mhodni and Romtamel while massive Chitrarath floats depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata roll through town centres, typically between 4:30 PM and 10 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our experience covering Goa’s festival calendar, Shigmo stands apart because it’s a travelling<\/em> celebration. A different town hosts each night, so you can catch two or three parades during a single trip. That’s rare for a festival this size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Goa welcomed\u00a010.8 million visitors in 2025\u00a0\u2014 an all-time record \u2014 and March festivals like Shigmo are a key driver of that growth (Department of Tourism, Government of Goa<\/a>, 2025). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Goa, this guide covers the full parade schedule, best viewing towns, food to try, and practical travel tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shigmo 2026 (March 5-18) features free evening parades across 19 Goa towns, with the biggest celebrations in Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco. Goa recorded 10.8 million visitors in 2025 (Goa Tourism Dept<\/a>, 2025), and Shigmotsav \u2014 a 14-day harvest and warrior homecoming festival \u2014 is one of the state’s most attended cultural events. Arrive by 3:30 PM for the best viewing spots.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n In this Blog<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n\n