Folk Dances of Goa | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

Folk Dances of Goa

• Folklores link the present with the past, ensuring the continuity of civilization.
• The originality of folklores has pleasantly surprised even the most erudite scholars and litterateurs.
• Goa's unique cultural heritage is rich and lively, known for its various folk festivals and performances.
• Goa's social fabric includes many castes, sub-castes, and tribes, creating a wide diversity of folk arts that reflect its traditions, customs, convictions, and culture.
• Goa has been inhabited by many racial stocks.
• Few regions in India have experienced such a wide variety of political regimes as Goa.
• Various rulers introduced their lifestyles and cultural influences, leaving lasting marks on Goa's races and culture.
• Trade, commerce, and armed forces personnel from different cultural groups have also shaped Goa's culture.
• Over 2,000 years, Goa has been influenced by the Bhojas, Shilaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Vijaynagar rulers, Adilshahi, and the Portuguese.
• The changing history has left multiple and lovely shades on Goan life and folk art.
• Traditional folk music and dances have continued uninterruptedly, with Portuguese influences evolving new forms.
• This blending of cultural traditions gives Goan music and folk dances a unique character.
• The diversity of cultural influences makes Goa distinctive, despite sharing the general culture of the coastal Konkan strip.
• Notable folk dances and forms in Goa include Talgadi, Goff, Tonya Mel, Mando, Kunbi dance, Suvari, Dasarawadan, Virabhadra, Hanpeth, Gauda jagar, Ranmale, Fugadi, Ghode Modni, Lamp Dance, Musal Dance, Romat or Mell, Morullem, Bhandap, Dhangar Dance, and Dekhni.

Ghode Modni

• Ghode Modni is a splendid folk dance mainly performed in Bicholim Taluka of Goa.
• The dance evokes memories of great warriors from the past.
• Dancers swing around with dummy horses attached to their waists.
• They carry swords and wear ‘ghungrus’ (ankle bells), showcasing bravery.
• The background music is provided by dhol and tasha.

Dekhni

• Dekhni is both a song and a dance.
• The song has western influences, while the dance is of Indian form.
• Only women perform this beautiful dance.
• A popular Dekhni song became well-known across the country thanks to a film producer.
• The dance is accompanied by the ghumat, a traditional drum.

Dhangar Dance

• Dhangars are a community of shepherds who worship a folk god named Bira Deva.
• They believe in rituals and various celebrations.
• Their dances are performed to the music of dhol and flute.
• The dances are usually dedicated to Shri Radha and Krishna.
• The costumes worn are called Kathiawari white dress.

Goff, Talgadi, and Shigmo

• These are beautiful folk dances that are part of Spring jubilation.
• They are performed to spread festive mood and happiness among peasants.
• Mainly performed by peasants of Goa.
• Goff is performed by peasants in Canacona Taluka and involves weaving braids with various colors, symbolizing extreme discipline.
• Talgadi is performed to the beats of ghumat and is similar to the dandiya dance of Gujarat.
• Shigmo involves colorful dresses and is performed to the beats of dhol, tasha, cymbals, etc.

Mussal Khel

• A folk song and dance performed in praise of brave kings.
• Performed by Christians to honor a Hindu King.
• The dance is performed on the full moon day of the falguna month of the Hindu calendar.
• Mainly performed by the Cholas of Chandor, who were defeated by the Harihar of the Vijaynagar dynasty.

Zagor

• A folk dance inherited from Modern Marathi Theatre in Goa.
• Consists of two forms: one by the Pernni community and the other by the Christian Gawdas.
• Pernni Zagor focuses on philosophical topics about the origin of the universe.
• Christian Gawdas Zagor is derived from contemporary village life.

Lamp Dance

• Involves using brass lamps and is unique and difficult due to the dancer's skill in keeping the lamp on their head while moving.
• Performed during the Shigmo festival.
• Instruments used include Cymbal, Ghumat, Harmonium, and Samel.
• Songs are traditional folk songs.
• Performed mainly in the southern and central regions of Goa.

Fugdi and Dhalo

• Performed primarily by women and are common folk dances.
• Dhalo has a slow pace, while Fugdi is fast.
• Fugdi follows a circular pattern, whereas Dhalo involves a dozen women dancing face-to-face.
• Both dances are performed to Marathi and Konkani songs.

Veerbhadra

• Veerbhadra is known as the son of Lord Shiva and referred to as the burning flame.
• Performed on the fifth day of Dhalo Mand.
• Dancers hold swords and the music is provided by dhol and tasha.

Kunbi Songs and Dance

• Played by the primitive settlers in Goa, depicting ancient traditions.
• The songs originate from the Portuguese era and are meant for the dancers' enjoyment.

Morulem

• A popular dance where dancers perform to old and traditional songs to please their deities.
• Dancers wear costumes adorned with flower garlands and peacock feathers on their heads.

Romat

• Accompanied by drum beats following a wonderful rhythm.
• Dancers perform amidst big banners, batons, umbrellas, and festooned sticks.

Tonyamel

• Performed by peasants working on farms to celebrate a good harvest.
• Involves vigorous and aggressive movements with lots of noise and sound.
• Serves as homage to Mother Nature and is quite fascinating.

Suvari

• Features vibrant rhythms, music, and taals, adding eagerness to the dance.
• Performed during religious festivals and related events.
• Instruments used include cymbals, ghumat, surt, shehnai, and shamel.
• Performed with much cheer throughout Goa.