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

Folk Songs of Goa

• Goa, often referred to as the 'Rome of the East,' stands out as one of India's most vibrant and contemporary tourist spots, brimming with a rich Goan cultural tapestry.
• Having been under Portuguese rule for 450 years, Goa boasts a cultural legacy that encompasses a myriad of churches, temples, and mosques.
• The allure of Goa's picturesque beaches, with their expansive stretches of soft sands, and the delectable seafood, captivates and delights visitors from far and wide.
• The cultural opulence and vibrancy of Goa find expression through its traditional folk dances, cultural practices, and melodious songs.
• Exploring Goa also unveils a collection of Christian monuments, showcasing some of the region's most captivating architectural marvels.

Overview of Singers in Goa

• Goa has been a nurturing ground for numerous talented singers who have captivated music enthusiasts with their melodious tunes and heartfelt performances.
• Notable singers like Emiliano D'cruz, Prince Jacob, Souza Boy, M. Boyer, Alfred Rose, Kid Boxer, Rosario Rodrigues, Tony King, and J. B. Rod have emerged from this vibrant coastal region.
• Goa's music scene is not just limited to traditional genres but also extends to vibrant nightlife experiences, where locals and tourists alike revel in the lively atmosphere.
• The state's allure is further enhanced by its picturesque beaches, bustling restaurants, and spirited celebration of festivals.

Music Scene in Goa

• Goa's music culture is diverse and rich, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that appeal to a wide audience.
• For instance, the traditional Goan music genre known as Mando holds a special place in the hearts of locals, reflecting their cultural heritage through soul-stirring melodies.
• Artists like Alfred Rose and Rosario Rodrigues have contributed significantly to preserving and popularizing Mando music, adding to the region's musical legacy.

Traditional Goan Folk Music and Dance Forms

Mando

• Mando, a significant part of Goan culture, encompasses love songs that vividly portray a wide range of emotions.
• Originating from the Goan aristocracy, these folk songs typically begin with melancholy tones but evolve into rhythmic expressions known as dulpod.
• These compositions exhibit a unique blend of Indian and Western musical traditions, offering a rich cultural tapestry.
• Unlike traditional compositions like bhajans and aartis, contemporary Mandos delve into diverse emotions, marking a departure from older styles.

Dekhni: Song and Dance Ensemble

• Dekhni is a captivating synthesis of song and dance, blending Western musical influences with traditional Indian dance forms.
• Primarily performed by female dancers, Dekhni holds a unique charm that has not only captivated audiences but also inspired creative works in popular culture.
• Anecdotes highlight how a Dekhni song enchanted a film producer, leading to its widespread recognition among children across the nation.
• Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the ghumat, Dekhni performances exude grace and cultural significance.

Fugdi Dance

• Fugdi is a beloved dance form in Goa, predominantly performed by women during significant social and religious events.
• This indoor dance gets its name from the rhythmic "Foo Foo" sound created by the dancers as they blow air into a pot while moving with a specific rhythm.
• Interestingly, no musical instruments are utilized during the performance of Fugdi.
• Among the 27 variations of Fugdi, the circular pattern rendition is the most commonly seen.
• The dance typically starts at a slow pace with footwork and invocations to Hindu deities, gradually accelerating towards an exciting climax.

Mussal Khel Dance

• Mussal Khel is a traditional dance form that celebrates the valor of noble kings.
• A noteworthy aspect of this dance is its performance by Christian participants in honor of a Hindu King.
• This dance is traditionally showcased on the full moon day of the Falguna month in the Hindu calendar.
• Primarily performed by the Cholas of Chandor, who were once defeated by the Harihar of the Vijaynagar dynasty.

Kunbi Songs and Dance

• Kunbi songs and dances are traditional performances originating from the early settlers in Goa, reflecting ancient customs and practices.
• These cultural expressions have their roots in the Portuguese era and are primarily meant for the entertainment and enjoyment of the participants.

Dhalo

• Dhalo is a popular dance and song ritual that extends over a week, typically held at a predetermined location known as a 'Mand' situated in someone's courtyard.
• This dance involves the participation of around 24 women and is performed on moonlit winter nights, usually coinciding with the nearing harvest of the paddy crop in the Hindu month of 'Pausha'.
• During the performance, the women arrange themselves in two parallel lines, singing a mix of religious and social songs while linking arms and moving in synchrony.
• The culmination of the dance sees the women adorning elaborate attire and imitating male members of the village through caricature performances.

Musical Instruments (In General to All Music)

• Musical instruments can be categorized into five major classes.
• These classes include:
  • Stringed instruments
  • Wind instruments
  • Percussion instruments
  • Keyboard instruments
  • Electronic instruments
• Percussion instruments are considered to have the earliest origins.
• The Ghumot in Goa is a unique instrument in Konkani music, created by covering the mouth of an earthen pot to make it a musical instrument.
• Indigenous instruments were played alongside European ones, with the Ghumot being a crucial element in many Goan folk dances and included in 'fusion' music.

Musical Instruments used during singing

• Music plays a vital role in various art forms like dance, drama, and rituals, reflecting unique community styles and song traditions.
• There are two primary methods of creating music:
  • Vocal Music: Involves using the human voice to produce melodies and harmonies.
  • Instrumental Music: Involves using musical instruments to create sounds.
• Music instruments are categorized based on the scientific principles they utilize to generate sound:
  • Percussion Instruments: These instruments are struck to produce sound, often used for rhythm like taals without producing distinct musical notes or cymbals.
  • Wind Instruments: These instruments require air to pass through them for sound production, such as bansuri (flute).
  • String Instruments: These instruments have strings that vibrate when struck, like the veena or ektara.
  • Drums: Drums consist of a membrane stretched over a hollow frame, played by striking them, such as the dholak or mridangam.

Basic/General Features of Folk Music across India as well as Goa

• India has a rich and varied tradition of folk music.
• The extreme diversity in rural culture creates endless varieties of folk styles.
• Each region has its own unique approach and repertoire.
• Folk music is often lumped with tribal music, but this is incorrect.
• Folk music reflects the broader Indian society, while tribal music reflects very different, often ancient, cultures.
• Tribal cultures can be throwbacks to ancient societies.
• Folk and tribal music are not taught like Indian classical music.
• There are no formal apprenticeships for learning folk music due to rural economic realities.
• Folk musicians must attend to their normal duties such as farming or hunting.
• Folk music is learned naturally from childhood through immersion in daily life.
• Villagers practice their musical skills through public activities.
• Folk music is essential for functions like weddings, births, and engagements.
• There is a vast repertoire of songs for various occasions.
• Songs are associated with activities like harvesting and planting, expressing fears, hopes, and aspirations.
• Folk music is also used for education.
• When a girl has her first period, a ceremony is held where elderly women gather and men are excluded.
• The girl receives her first langa and woni, rich food, and other presents.
• During this ceremony, women sing bawdy songs to instruct the girl on womanhood and her future duties as a wife.