Goa, April 3 -- In the village of Balli Muth, a ritual symbolizing penance called Shidiyo is performed as part of the Shigmo celebrations in the state. In the courtyard of the village deity Shri Shantadurga Ballikarin, a 20-foot pole is erected in the center of the ground and attaching a 30-foot horizontal pole, locally known as laat, to it. The laat is balanced and can hold a man at one end.

Manoj Bharve, the temple priest informs that this year, there will be two Gades from Kholakar and Khupkar. "Besides the two main Gades, who are married men, there will be Lhann Gades too which are usually young boys in the age group of 12-14 years. Since this year the festival is clashing with the exams, I am not sure how many Lhann Gades will be pa...