Dance

Assignment-
2
Goan Folk Dance

By: Shirali Patel

FSC-1

App No: 61197

Introduction
Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South
West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the
north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. In spite of this
we are not aware of the folk dance that exists here.

Goan folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms
performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and
castes of Goan society. 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.
The prominent ones include Corredinho Dance, Dekhni Dance, Dhalo Dance, Dhangar Dance,
Fugdi Dance, Ghode Modni, Goff Dance, Kunbi Dance, Lamp Dance, Mussal dance and Romal
Dance.

Detailed Description
GOFF DANCE
It is a folk dance with cords, manifesting joy and happiness of Goan peasants after the
harvest. It is performed during the Shigmo Festival in Phalgun (March) month. Each dancer
holds a colorful cord hanging at the centre point of the 'Mand' - the place of performance - and
starts dancing intricately with the others, forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the
end of the first movement. (As shown in the picture)

The music starts again and the dancers reverse the pattern of dancing so skillfully that the braid
gets unraveled and at the end of the second movement, all the cords are loose and single once
again. There are 4 different braids of Goff. The songs sung are devoted to Lord Krishna.
"Ghumat", "Samael" and "Surta Shansi" or melodic instruments accompany the dance. Goff has
an affinity with tribal dance forms of Gujarat.
KUNBI DANCE
Kunbis, the earliest settlers of Goa, are a sturdy tribal community mostly settled in Salcete
Taluka, who though converted to Christianity, still retains the most ancient folk tradition of the
land. Their songs and dance belonging to the pre-Portuguese era are uniquely social and not
religious. The fast and elegant dance by a group of Kunbi women dancers, wearing traditional
yet very simple dresses, lends a colourful touch to this ethnic art form.
LAMP DANCE
This dance derives its name from brass lamps used in the dance during the Shigmo festival.
The accompanying instruments include Ghumat, Samael, Cymbal and Harmonium. The
performers indulge in a slow dancing movement, balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on
the head and the hands. The balancing act controlled by tremendous self-discipline and
exquisite footwork matching with the rhythms of the traditional folksongs are eye-catching.
This group dance is popular in the southern and central Goa.

MUSSAL DANCE
The Kshatriyas, the warrior class of 'Chandor' (erstwhile Chandrapur, the capital of the
"Kadamba" rulers) perform this dance-cum-song to celebrate the victory of Harihar, the Hindu
King of Vijaynagar over the Cholas in the early 14th century. They hold and brandish pestles
('Mussals') - a favourite war instrument with the Yadavas - during the victory parade and dance
as the original one held centuries ago.
The march comprises 4 couplets while the main dance uses 22 couplets. Originally the Gaonkars
did the performance on the full-moon night of the Falguna. The Kshatriyas, though converted to
Christianity, still retains the cultural heritage and perform it now on the second day of the
carnival.
ROMAT DANCE
This thanks-giving ceremonial dance-cum-procession performed during the Shigmo festival is
known as Romat in the northern Goa and Mell in the central Goa. It is an extremely crowded,
noisy and colorful affair. Teams of dancers drawn from different sections of the village dance
and March martially with huge banners, ceremonial umbrellas, festooned sticks and batons
towards the temple of the presiding deity or to the house of the landlord.

The cacophony emanating from deafening beats of huge 'Dhols' and 'Tashas' and a prolonged,
vigourous dancing procession displaying colourful dresses leave the spectators spell-bound.

Corredinho Dance
Corredinho Dance (Portuguese peasant dance). A Portuguese folk dance and a beautiful
example of Portuguese cultural influence, this elegant dance is highly popular among Goan elite
youth. This is famous for its rhythmic and exquisite footwork where normally six couples take
part.

Conclusion
Dance in India, is rooted in age-old tradition. This vast sub-continent has given birth to varied
forms of dancing, each shaped by the influences of a particular period and environment. These
pristine forms have been preserved through the centuries, to become a part of our present
culture, a living heritage which is both our pride and delight. But there are certain states like
Goa whose rich tradition is not recognized by most the people.
While working on this assignment, I realized that most of the people know what the western
dance forms are and probably some of the Indian dances including the classical dance. But how
many of us know about the dances that exists in the remote area of some well-known states
leave apart some small Indian states like the one which I have selected. As a child I had danced
on one of the Goan Folk Song which now I came to know was the Corredinho Dance. Though
the Goan folk dances may not be as colourful as the Rajasthani folk dances, but it has got its
own beauty. The unique feature of Goan dances is that they have the influence of most of the
colonies that were established in this area. One thing that makes Goan dance different from
other dances is that there is no or less importance given to the jewellery and the dresses worn
by the dancers. Though not all dances are mentioned above, I would conclude by saying that
Goa is not only rich in beaches but also in its traditional folk dances which one can’t find
anywhere in the world.

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