The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has unveiled plans for three of the state’s most iconic festivals: Carnaval, Shigmo, and Shivjayanti. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, along with GTDC Chairman Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, and GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar, discussed the upcoming celebrations in a recent press conference.

Carnaval Dates and Funding:

• February 28: Porvorim
• March 1: Panjim
• March 2: Margao
• March 3: Vasco
• March 4: Mapusa and Morjim

Funding allocations for Carnaval committees are as follows:

• Panjim: ₹27,35,000
• Margao: ₹27,35,000
• Vasco: ₹27,35,000
• Mapusa: ₹27,35,000
• Porvorim: ₹17,35,000
• Morjim: ₹14,25,000

Shigmo Dates and Funding:

Shigmo parades are scheduled across various locations:

• March 15: Ponda
• March 16: Margao
• March 17: Mandrem and Quepem
• March 18: Shiroda and Curchorem
• March 19: Dharbandora
• March 20: Calangute
• March 21: Vasco
• March 22: Panjim
• March 23: Mapusa and Sanguem
• March 24: Canacona
• March 25: Pernem
• March 26: Cuncolim and Valpoi
• March 27: Bicholim
• March 28: Sanquelim
• March 29: Porvorim

Minor centers, including Bicholim, Valpoi, Canacona, Quepem, Curchorem, Cuncolim, Sanguem, Pernem, Sanquelim, Dharbandora, Shiroda, Calangute, and Porvorim, will receive an increased prize allocation of ₹50,000 compared to the previous year.

Shivjayanti Celebrations:

Scheduled for February 19, Shivjayanti will be celebrated in Margao, Panjim, Mapusa, Mormugao, Ponda, and Sanquelim. Each committee will receive ₹5 lakh to support the festivities.

Route planning for these events will be finalized by local committees in collaboration with the collector and police department to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.