A small state on the western coast of India, is mostly known today for its endless beaches, fiery but irresistible cusine, feni, a potent drink distilled from the cashew fruit, hippies of the 70s and its fun loving and welcoming people. A tropical paradise that lies on the west coast of India embraced by the warm waters of the Arabian sea. What makes it unique is mostly due to its history and geography having been ruled by the colonial Portuguese for over 450yrs there is still visible a distinctly Portuguese flavor that has permeated into all aspects of Goa's life including its food, religion, language, festivals, dances and of course names. The intermingling of Arabian, Portuguese and native cultures is reflected in the lifestyle and cuisine of Goa, which is a unique blend of richness and simplicity- the constantly recurring notes being struck by the fish and the coconut. Goa is also unique in the sense that this mixture of East and West co-exists in a friendly and peaceful lifestyle.The best of both worlds has been absorbed and knit into a culture very distinctly different from that of any other part of India.
Goa was the first part of India that was colonized by Europeans and also the last to be liberated. In the past it was known as Govapuri, Gomant or Aprant. The Arab sailors knew it as Sindabur, or Sandabur, and the Portuguese as Goa.According to the legends 96 families of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community were settled along the banks of the Saraswati river. When the river suddenly went dry, Parshurama, the 6th reinarnation of Lord Shiva created the new land on the coast and ordered them to migrate there.Goa’s history goes back to the third century BC when it was part of the great Mauryan kingdom of the Emperor Ashoka. After his death in 232 BC, the region came under the suzerainty of various Hindu dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Kshatrapas, Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. An indigenous dynasty, the Kadambas, rose to power in the 10th century. They ruled for over three hundred years and made Goa into a major maritime power using the natural harbours to make Goa a thriving centre of maritime trade.
The 14th century was a turbulent phase in Goa’s history when its control passed from the Yadavas of Devagiri to the Delhi Sultanate (1356-1378) and finally to the Vijayanagar kings who ruled it for almost a hundred years. Towards the end of the 15th century, the Bahamani Sultans of Gulbarga and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur held sway. Meanwhile, in their quest for new spice routes and driven by a proselytising zeal to spread Christianity, the Portuguese landed in Calicut, Kerala in 1498. Unable to get a foothold there, they captured Goa from the Adil Shahis in 1510. Before long they had established their maritime might in the Arabian Sea and controlled the most prosperous trade routes. Gradually Goa became the seat of the Portuguese Empire in Asia and the Far East. Its capital, Old Goa, became a centre of immense wealth and opulence, attracting vast numbers of Portuguese immigrants. By the end of the 16th century Old Goa had a population of around 300,000, much larger than that of Lisbon, Paris or London!
Though the Marathas posed a threat in the early 18th century, the Portuguese were able to retain control and continued to enlarge their territory further east. A fledgling independence movement began in the late 19th century, seeking self-rule or even merger with British ruled India. However, the territory remained under Portuguese rule till 1961 when a political movement, launched in the wake of India’s independence in 1947, led to its liberation by India. After 26 years as a centrally administered Union Territory, Goa was granted full statehood on 30 May 1987. More than 15 centuries of Hindu rule, followed by a short span of Muslim control and then 450 years of Roman Catholic domination under Portugal, has left a hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures that makes Goa a unique experience. Happily, the large community has managed to neatly balance its Konkani roots with the dominant Christian influenceGoa celebrates its "Liberation Day" on 19 December every year, which is also a state holiday.
Music and Dance
A Goan is said to be born with music in his blood and music literally accompanies him from the cradle to the grave. Musical traditions run in whole generations. Music itself runs the entire gamut of sonic versatility; from the rustic Dhangar ( Shepherd ) playing and flutes to sophisticated tabla and sitar or violin and piano soloist thrilling large audiences in concert halls. Music is the time seller at all major social events-feasts, festivals, “zatras”, and marriages.
Goan folk music has a lively rhythm and the folk-dances a rugged vitality. The musical accompaniment for both folk songs and the folk dances is provided by a diversity of musical instruments – Ghumats, Dhols, Cymbals (Drums), Flutes, Harmonium, Violins and Guitars. The favorite, however, seems to be the Ghumat. No description in writing can ever do full justice to these dynamic folk art forms. Watching a live performance can elicit to a certain degree its emotional content, rhythmic charm, the colorful variety and vitality.
Freedom brought about a cultural renaissance in Goa along with providing a fresh impetus to the classic literature and fine arts and a revival of the folk arts. Once again the almost forgotten folk dances Dhalo, Fugdi, Corridinho, Mando and performing folk arts (like Khell-Tiatro), Jagar-perani and many others have come out into their own. Indeed the folk music and folk dances have crossed the borders of the state and become popular in the rest of the country during the past 25 years.
Here is a detailed description of the various dance forms of Goa.
Bhandap
This is a traditional folk dance performed by womenfolk of a scheduled tribal community of Goa , performed in the second half of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
Corredinho
It is a very elegant Portuguese dance, performed mainly by Goa's Catholic elite..
Dekhni
Dekhni incorporates the exquisite and unique fusion of Indian melody and western rhythm. A lovely damsel is usually the theme of this highly popular folk song cum dance event that is also exclusively performed by women to the beat of the "Ghumat".
Dhangar Dance
The Dhangar dance is a dance of the shepherd community of Goa , the songs and the dances represent one of the oldest folk traditions of Goa.
Fugdi & Dhalo
This dance is exclusively performed by women. These are very common dances performed at harvest times and on ceremonial occasions like the birth of a child or at a fair/festival. In "Dhalo" two parallel rows of women surge face to face towards each other to the beat of Ghumats. In "Fugdi", the women dance in a circular pattern with rhythmic swaying of bodies. An interesting variation is the “Kalashi Fugdi” of Satari taluka where the dancers blow into water pitchers.
Ghode Modni
This is a spectacular war dance that evokes the martial exploits of ancient Goans, and to a large extent the victory of the "Ranes" . The dancer is dressed in colorful headgear and typical livery with “ghungroos” or anklets attached to their feet and an effigy of a horse to their waists. They brandish swords in their hands and dance rhythmically to the sound of martial music of "dhols" and "tashas". It is very popular in the Sanquelim and Sattari areas, the stronghold of the "Ranes".
Goff
Goff involves the weaving of a multi-colored braid through skillful footwork and is danced mostly by the peasants of Cancona taluka. These folk dances are associated with spring rituals and festivities.
Hanpet
The Hanpet (sword dance) is a popular dance performed by two or three dancers with swords during the Shigmo festival.
Kala & Dashavatar
These dance forms are the precursors of the the modern "Tiatr".
Kumbhi Dance
It is the dance and musical heritage of the Kumbhi community.
Lamp Dance
This is traditionally performed by women carrying brass lamps on their heads during the Shigmo festival.
Mando
It is the most popular and stylized, song and dance event that is sweetly sad in its melody and very elegantly choreographed. Young men and women gracefully weave rhythmic patterns to the beat of a “GHUMAT” and the romantic strains of the violin. The MANDO is nostalgically sung and danced wherever Goans are settled the world over . Slow and sad at the beginning, the Mando ends in the lively Bhulpod. The theme of the traditional MANDO is Love and romance, but of late there has been some innovation with a diversity of thematic subjects.
Morulem
This is another dance form performed during the Shigmo festivities by the early Goan settlers, part of Goa's backward community.
Mussal-Khel-Pestel
Introduced in Goa by the Kadambas, the tradition is maintained by the Christian community of Chandor (Salcete Taluka). Some dancers brandish Mussal (pestles) symbolic of the "Shivlinga", whilst others carry lit torches. The troupe performs first in public/ at the town center etc., and later goes from door to door. A dancer in the troupe is disguised as a bear in this dance. The dance is usually performed on the second day of the carnival.
Jagar
There are two forms of the folk drama. The perani – jagar exclusively performed by the perani community deals with esoteric themes like creation of universe, whilst the general Jagar deals with traditional aspects of village life. The Jagar is generally considered to be the precursor of the modern theatre in Goa.
Raatib
This is a part of Muslim religious festivities performed during the 11th month of the Muslim Calendar.
Suvari
This is a traditional tone setter to all Hindu Goan festivals.
Talgadi
This is a lively dance to the beat of Samel, Ghumat etc. – The participants waving sticks with their hands like Dandya dancers of Gujarat. These folk dances are associated with spring rituals and festivities
Taranga Mel
This is also known as the banner festival and traditionally is a farmers festival.
Tonyamel
This is a traditional dance performed with sticks, usually performed at harvest time.
Veerabhadra
The thematic subject is the mythological episode of VEERBHADRA Shiva’s son born of his matted hair. It is a typical south Indian style dance and performed once annually as part of religious rites in Ponda taluka only. The dancers brandish swords in both hands weaving patterns to the tune of ‘dholak’ and ‘tasha’ with a typical southern beat. It is also performed in Sanguem and Bicholim Talukas apart from any religious connection.
Zagor
This is performed by Goa's Gauda community in a variety of styles.
Festivals
Goa is famous for its feasts and festivals. The occasion may be a harvest, a change of season, and a sacred day in the calendar or the birthday of a saint. Goans seem to thrive on festivity. There are “Zatras”, temple festivals that give great scope for folk dances and folk dramas. Annual popular dances in villages (like the famous Festa de Leques Dance) besides the major festivals of Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas. The annual St. Francia Xavier’s Feast draws together people of all walks of life and of all communities at the historic city of Old Goa in their thousands. The fire walking ceremony witnessed by huge crowd forms the highlight of the " Sirigao Zatra” annually. The Shigmo festival is a boisterous celebration heralding spring and is matched for colorfulness and merriment only by the Carnival – that memorable three-day bust-up of euphoric frenzy.
Here is a description of some of the principal festivals of Goa.
Shigmo
This is the Goan version of "Holi". Dressed in colorful costumes, the dancer express joy and happiness to the accompaniment of “dhols”(huge drums), “tasha” and “kasale” (cymbals). This dance highlights Shigmo festival in Goa.
Carnival
This is exciting and unique three-day non-stop extravaganza of fun, frolic, song, music and dance that is uniquely Goan. This is a Pagan festival popular in Latin American countries that were colonies of Portugal at some point in time. The Carnival is uniquely Goan and is not celebrated anywhere else in India. It is a typical Latin, song, music and dance and precedes the "Lent". The highlight of the exotic frenzy of merriment is the appointment and arrival of “KING MOMO” and his retinue to the capital city Panaji on "Fat Saturday", the eve of Carnival. They form the head of a parade of colorful floats and troupes of masked revelers attired in gorgeous costumes singing and dancing in gay abandon to lively music that is usually performed live. The best floats are given handsome prizes. The floats have in recent years been commercially sponsored. Carnival is also celebrated in the Goan countryside by the Christian populace and is called ‘Intruz’. It assumes a unique form of creative spontaneity wherein folk songs/Cantars are sung from door to door in villages by troupes of mainly Christian peasants inviting everyone to join in the celebration. Suvari – orchestral folk music regales the audience at all Hindu religious and other festivals. ‘Ranmale’, ‘Raktakala’, ‘Kala’, ‘Dashavatari’ and ‘Teatro’ are other popular types of folk drama forms. |
