Drum roll: Ponda's dhol beats signal Shigmotsav start

PONDA: Antruz Mahal - as Ponda was known in ancient times - is known for its Shigmo, and it is from this taluka that the state's Shigmo festivities kick off. On Wednesday, Ponda town reverberated to the beat of the 'dhol' as tableaux with effigies of wondrous colours and mesmerizing light effects wound their way down the streets.
A huge crowd gathered from across Ponda taluka and surrounding areas to witness the parade, romtamell and folk dances, which commenced in the afternoon. A fancy dress competition held during the early hours of the evening provided much entertainment to the spectators.
Among the participants that stood out in the competition were brothers Ramchandra and Yograj Gavankar who dressed up as Sant Tukaram and Lord Vitthal, respectively.
The Shigmo tableaux traditionally depict scenes from Hindu mythology and the one by Bal Gopal Kala Sanskrutik Mandal, Chimbel, which depicted the attempt made by demon Andhakasur to kidnap goddess Parvati, thrilled the audiences. A total of 20 floats, nine romtamell troupes and five folk dance troupes participated in the festivities.