Shimga (Holi) Festival in Konkan- A Celebration Beyond Colors

Shimga, or Shigmo, is a traditional and vibrant festival celebrated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Spanning five to eleven days of celebration, the unique type of Holi festival marks the advent of spring and the end of the harvest season.

Shimga features traditional folk music, processions of local deities in palkhis (palanquins), and intense community bonding. Refer to WanderOn guide on the Shimga festival and know about timings, location, history, travel tips, and much more.

Unique Features of the Shimga Festival:

• Location: Konkan region including districts like Ratnagiri, Raigad, Sindhudurg, parts of Goa
• Dates: March 15-29, 2026 (duration of about 2 weeks)
• Cultural Significance: Celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil, rejuvenation of life, and community harmony
• Festivities: Spans for several days, culminating in the Holika Dahan (bonfire) and Rang Panchami (playing with colors)
• Rituals: Local deities are brought from temples and processions are conducted in decorated palkhis with devotees singing and dancing to traditional music
• Region: Majorly celebrated in the Konkan region, particularly in Sindhudurg, Raigad, Ratnagiri districts and parts of Goa, with unique local customs
• Folk Dances: A special highlight of Shimga festivities is the Sankasur (a demon character), who dances and runs through the burning Holi pyre, symbolizing the destruction of evil. Other folk dances include Lenzim, which creates a unique atmosphere of devotion and joy, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Konkan region.
• Community Spirit: Shimga festival is known for social harmony wherein people come together to celebrate. It is as significant a festival as the Ganesh Chaturthi for many locals.

For more information: maharashtratourism.gov.in

Why is Shimga celebrated?

Shimga festival marks the arrival of spring, to express gratitude for the harvest, honour nature, and to seek blessings for future prosperity.

Not just this, the celebration is also extended to celebrate the victory of good over evil, marked with events like Holika Dahan. According to legends, the story revolves around Prahlad (a Vishnu devotee), Hiranyakashipu (his demonic father), and Holika (Hiranyakashipu’s sister).

Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill his son and took Holika’s (who was immune to fire) help to kill him. However, with Vishnu’s protection, Prahlad got saved and Holika perished in the flames. The tradition of Holika Dahan keeps this legend alive today, reminding people that righteousness outlives and triumphs over evil.

How To Reach Konkan Region To Play Shimga Holi

To witness the Shimga festival in the Konkan region, you are required to travel to the coastal districts of Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri, Raigad, or Sindhudurg. The festival lasts for 5 to 11 days, starting around Phalgun Poornima.

Here’s how you can reach the main area:

By Train (Most Recommended)

• Konkan Railway: Konkan Railway line connects Mumbai to major towns in the region
• Major Stations: Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Khed, Kankavli, Sindhudurg for easy access to surrounding villages

By Road

• From Mumbai/ Pune: The region is well connected by road, often via the NH 48 or state highways leading towards the coasts
• Travel Time: It roughly takes 6-9 hours to reach central Konkan (Ratnagiri/Dapoli) from Mumbai, depending on the specific location
• Local Transport: Once in town, you can hire private vehicles or use local transport to reach specific villages like Kodavali or Ganpatipule, areas known for authentic celebrations

By Air

• Nearest Airports: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) or Goa International Airport (Dabolim/Mopa) are the best options, with a connecting drive to the coastal districts.

How To Attend Shimga Festival: Guide for Travelers

Shimga, a five- to eleven-day-long traditional spring festival of Maharashtra, is known for its deeply rooted rituals, strong community participation, and vibrant folk traditions. It is one of the unique ways of celebrating Holi in Goa, and other parts of Konkan.

Top Places to Experience Shimga

• Ratnagiri (Ganpatipule, Pawas, Kodavali): Known for traditional Palkhi (palanquin) processions.
• Sindhudurg (Malvan, Vengurla): Famous for folk performances and the Kombar Havli (unique traditional rituals).
• Raigad (Alibaug, Murud): Features a blend of traditional and modern celebrations.

From folk theatre and Rang Panchami celebrations to Palkhi Utsav and community gatherings, there are a lot of unique experiences for travelers who love to explore different cultures.

• When: 5-7 days before main Holi day
• Shigma 2026 Date: (March 15-29, 2026)
• Where: Konkan region of Maharashtra
• Highlights: Multi-day rituals blending devotion and folk culture
• Best Vantage Points: Village centres and temple courtyards

1. Holika Dahan or Shimga Jatra

Holika Dahan, also known as Shimga Jatra in the Konkan region, forms the spiritual core of Shimga festival rituals. During Shimga Jatra, villagers come together and gather around a sacred bonfire to sing Shimga geet, chant prayers, and offer grains and coconuts to the fire. This ritual puts light on the Shimga festival history and the philosophy of good over evil.

Travelers attending Shimga witness men and women dressed in colorful traditional attire performing folk dances like Koli Nrutya and Dashavtar Nrutya and depicting episodes from Hindu epics. Holika Dahan closely connects Shimga Holi Maharashtra with ancient storytelling traditions.

• When: First day of Shimga celebrations
• Where: Village commons and temple grounds
• Highlight: Bonfire rituals with folk songs and dances
• Best Vantage Points: Near the ceremonial fire and performance circle

2. Rang Panchami

Another event that takes place a few days after Shimga Jatra is Rang Panchami where people come forward to celebrate Holi with organic, eco-friendly colors made up of herbs and flowers, making it a significant part of the Konkani Holi festival.

This celebration is dedicated to Lord Krishna and symbolises harmony, joy, and divine play. Locals believe that on this day deities descend to earth to celebrate the devotees, enhancing the Shimga festival's significance.

• When: 3–5 days after Holika Dahan
• Where: Streets, village squares, and open grounds
• Highlight: Natural colours and devotional colour play
• Best Vantage Points: Main village streets during peak celebrations

3. Palkhi Utsav

The Shimga festival in Konkan comprises the Palkhi Utsav, where idols of local deities are carried in beautifully decorated palanquins. On the occasion of Palki Utsav, processions move through villages with folk music, energetic dances, and goals, creating a festive atmosphere filled with both rhythm and devotion.

• When: During the middle days of Shimga
• Where: Routes connecting temples and village neighbourhoods
• Highlight: Decorated palkhis with live folk music
• Best Vantage Points: Narrow village streets and temple entrances

4. Folk Theatre

An essential cultural pillar of Shimga celebrations includes the folk theater. These include traditional performance styles such as Dashavtar, Powada, and Tamasha, narrating mythological stories and social themes.

These performances preserve oral traditions and reinforce the Shimla significance in Konkan’s cultural landscape.

• When: Evenings throughout the festival
• Where: Open-air stages and village grounds
• Highlight: Mythological storytelling through music and drama
• Best Vantage Points: Front seating near the stage for expressions and dialogue

5. Community Gatherings & Festive Food

During Shimga celebrations families visit each other, dance, sing folk songs, and prepare sweets together; this way community bonding builds up, which lies at the heart of Shimga festivities.

Children at this time make rangolis, decorate homes, help in ritual preparations, and reinforce shared cultural values.

• When: Throughout the festival period
• Where: Homes and community spaces
• Highlight: Traditional Konkani cuisine like puran poli and ukadiche modak and social bonding
• Best Vantage Points: Family homes and village courtyards

Food You Must Try During Shimga:

Just like Holi celebrations in any part of India, during Shimga as well, food becomes the central point, with famous Konkani dishes such as puran poli, kharvas, and ukadiche modak prepared during gatherings.

These shared meals put focus on how Shimga vs Holi differs, giving greater importance to tradition, rituals, and community bonding.

Pro-Travel Tips for Shimga Festival 2026

• Plan Ahead: Book accommodations in advance in regions such as Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, as these regions get crowded. To truly see the Palkhi (god's palanquin) visiting individual homes, booking a farm stay or homestay in Konkan is recommended over large hotels
• Safety & Etiquette: Do not consume excessive alcohol and be aware of strangers offering food
• Dress Appropriately: Wear old and comfortable clothes, as during color play clothes might get dirty; during rituals, wear covered clothes
• Respect Customs: A lot of rituals take place during Shimga festivities; respect local traditions and capture photographs only after taking permission from locals
• Stay in Groups: Do not travel alone, stay in a group, be aware of scams and avoid entering into crowded places
• Try Local Food: Don't miss Puran Poli (sweet flatbread) and Ukadiche Modak, which are central to the festival feast.
• Avoid Carrying Valueables: Always recommended to avoid carrying expensive stuff such as jewelry and expensive watches
• Stay Hydrated & Eat Light Food: With too many rituals and overwhelming crowds, you might get exhausted, so stay hydrated and eat light meals to avoid getting sick
• Waterproof Pouches: There would be water and colours thrown, so carry waterproof pouches for your phone and money (avoid carrying cash; use UPI instead)
• Watch Rang Panchami: Unlike other parts of India, the main color-playing day often happens 5 days after the initial bonfire. Be part of the celebrations

Final Thoughts on Shimga Festival

Shigma festival offers an authentic view of the living traditions. From Shimga Jatra bonfires, folk theatre performances, and palkhi processions to Rang Panchami, home-cooked Konkani delicacies, and community bonding, travelers get to experience it all.

Celebrated for 5-11 days, this unique type of Holi celebration is not just limited to playful color and water throwing but also delves deep into rituals, customs, and traditions. If you are someone who loves to explore different cultures, then you must visit Maharashtra during the Shimga festivities.