SHIGMO IS HERE!

Coronavirus or no coronavirus precautions have been taken and Shigmo fever has gripped Goa! Look forward to traditional folk sing-song and Romtamel dancing processions this weekend as Shigmo parades take place at various places across the state. Shigmo in Goa marks the Holi season. According to Shigmotsav Samiti representatives the Shigmo parade will take place in Panaji on Saturday, look forward to cultural groups performing down the route with musical instruments tashe, dhol and kalas. The processions will be dressed up amidst colorful umbrellas, heart-shaped props and flags. Apart from romtamel there will also be dhalo, fugdi, goff and ghoddemodni dancing. Shigmo is being celebrated in with float parades at Shiroda and Curchorem on March 13, Panaji on March 14, Margao on March 15, Bicholim and Mapusa on March 16, Sanquelim on March 17, Vasco and Cuncolim on March 18, Pernem on March 19 and Valpoi and Dharbandora on March 24. Venue: In Panaji the parade commences at 4pm at the Caculo Circle and wends its way up to Café Aram, turn left to Azad Maidan. Details: Shantaram Naik is the secretary of the Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti, or Department of Tourism.

MUSIC
Choir Competition: The State level choir (hymns) singing competition of Kala Academy has been scheduled and last date for submission of entry forms has been extended to March 16, 4pm. The drawing of lots in order to decide the sequence of the completion will be held on March 1, 4.30pm, in the presence of representatives of participant choir groups. The competition is open to Goan artistes, choir groups, institutions and churches. Venue: Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditoriumof Kala Academy, Panaji. Date: March 21. Time: Check schedule at Kala Academy offices.
ART
Art Exhibition: This exhibition features monochrome paintings by nine women artists from varied professional backgrounds, curated by Vaishali Lall. Take pleasure in the artwork of Gauri Keni, Kiran Karekar, SC Jashmi, Jolyan Sapeco, Pratiksha Sutar, Rashmi Naik, Raysancia D’Cunha, Suvarna Gaonkar and Sweta Gaitonde. Venue: Café Rasa, Panaji. Date: Ongoing till March 15. Time: 10am to 7pm

‘Games of Chance’: An unusual art show and live music show which invites inquiry into chance and the various mysteries presented. Venue: Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panaji. Date: Ongoing till March 27. Time: 6pm

Learn Portuguese: Camoes-Centro de Lingua Portuguesa is offering intensive courses in the Portuguese language and culture. The basic Portuguese language course Level A 1.2 aims to prepare candidates for the CAPLE-Exams (Acesso, CIPLE and DEPLE) to be conducted in July and November for international certification and assessment of proficiency in Portuguese. Venue: Casa Basilio Dias, first floor, Rua de Ormuz, Panaji. Date: March 15 to May 5/Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays. Details: Call 7030655664 or log in clpgoa@gmail.com
HEALTH
Yoga Center for Ponjekars: Swasthya Yog, an initiative by Swastik Cultural Association, is launching classes for different yogasana, pranayama and meditation for various age groups for individual as well as group training. Certified yoga trainers will conduct the classes. Yoga is a way of life which helps maintain fighting fit health, increases flexibility, tones muscles, improves respiration, energy and vitality, maintains balanced metabolism, reduces weight, offers cardio and circulatory workout, improves all round athletic ability and not least of all offers protection and quick recovery from injuries and disease. Always make time for a yogic lifestyle! Venue: Sanjeevan Music Acaemy, Navelkar Arcade, Dr Atmaram Borkar Road, Panaji. Date: Regualr yoga classes start from March 15. Time: 10.30am.

Health Camp: On the occasion of International Women’s Day YUVA has organized a health camp for women. Fasting blood sugar, bone density, dental, gynecology and general check-ups will be conducted by a team of professional doctors. The camp is free and open to all. Venue: Vidhyadhiraj Hall, opposite Maruti temple, Panaji. Date: Sunday/March 15. Time: 8am to 11am. Details: 9637939676/8788023034

MARKETS
Farmers and Crafters Market: This is a 2-day market featuring garden fresh farm and organic, eco-friendly goods like fruit, vegetables, condiments, household temptations, all kinds of crafts and handmade accessories to beguile heart and soul. Venue: Heritage Bistro, Campal. Date: Saturday/March14 (3pm to 9pm) & Sunday/March 15 (10am to 9pm). Details:: 9158063030/7020793498

Earth Keeper Market: Visit for fresh organic fruit, vegetables, groceries, herbal supplements, natural body products and recycled products, plus bonus vegan dinner and movie. Venue: The Rejuvenation Center, Calangute. Date: Sunday/March15. Time: 5pm to 7pm

Organic Lifestyles: Catch this half-day workshop on organic lifestyles which includes talks and tips by speakers Sheryl D’Souza (nutritionist), Minguel Braganza (botanist), Peter Singh (aquaponics), Rina Baretto, Shankar (microgreens), plus shop of organic produce and products at the venue. The event is organized by Don Bosco College Panjim Ecotiva Club along with Students Council & Fy BBA. Not to be missed of course! Venue: Don Bosco, Panaji. Date: Saturday/March14. Time: 8.30am to 1pm.

The Goan Farmers Market: Visit for local fruit and vegetables, spices, honey, cold-pressed coconut oil, bonsai, plant saplings, handmade soaps, Goan sweets and pickles, handcrafted bags, lots more temptations. Venue: Arjuntree One, Margao. Date: SundayMarch15. Time: 4pm to 8pm

REST&RECREATION
First-ever Mangalorean Food Festival in Goa: What do you know about Mangalorean food from Karnataka? Find out! Venue: South Candolim. Date: March 20 onwards. Details: Shraddha Pandey, 9821555668

FILMS
Film Screenings at Sunaparanta: In the ongoing film screening schedule the films The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994) directed by Frank Darabont andRust and Bone’(2012) directed by Jacques Audiard, will be screened on March 18 & 25, at 6.45pm, respectively. Details: 242131 or info@sgcfa.org

WORKSHOPS
Fermentation Workshop: Supermomies of Goa are hosting a basic fermentation and probiotics workshop with Aneesha Coelho, here’s your chance to learn how to brew kombucha and water kefir. Venue: Creative Impressions, Taleigao. Date: Sunday/March 22. Time: 3.30pm. Details: 9822160275 or supermommiesofgoa@yahoo.com

Hair Analysis: Take advantage of a free hair analysis camp which is open to pre-registered patients with hair problems under the Aumeo Social Initiative Program. Venue: Aumeo Clinic, near Mahalaxmi Temple, Panaji. Date: Sunday/March15. Time: 10am to 5pm. Details: 9158596115

BOOKS
`Democratic Accommodations: Minorities in Contemporary India’ Peter Ronald de Souza’s book of the aforesaid title will be launched at a function hosted by ICG director, it will be followed by an interactive discussions with editor Gopal Guru of the Economic & Political Weekly. Open to all. Venue: International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, Panaji. Date: Thursday/March 19. Time: 12.30pm.

TALKS
`Danger for India: US Policies Towards Afghanistan and Pakistan’: This is the second International Centre Goa lecture and it will be conducted by American political scientist Christina Fair. Open to public. Venue: ICG, Dona Paula, Panaji. Date: Saturday/March 21. Time: 6pm to 7.30pm. Details: pro@incentgoa.com