Tourism of India

Dance in Goa

About Goa

Goa is famous for its historic churches, temples, forts, traditional homes, colorful festivals, lush green countryside, rich flora and fauna, fabulous cuisine, and exotic beaches. The magical land of Goa is decked with popular tourist destinations like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla, the Calangute Beach, the Baga Beach , etc. The Performing Arts in Goa, as well, are a big crowd puller among the tourists from world over.

Performing Arts in Goa

A unique feature of Goa is its performing arts , and the state is renowned for it as well. Be it dance, drama or music, each of these performing arts here are characteristically Goan, exemplifying colorfully the theme of unity in diversity. In an attempt to restore, preserve and also help the performing arts in Goa to thrive, the Government of Goa set up a self-governing organization in Goa called the Kala Academy of Goa in the year 1970, which is proliferating even today.

Dance in Goa

The folk dances of Goa represent the lifestyles and cultures of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society bearing a tradition of thousands of years. Most of these dances are performed by the women. Some of the traditional dance forms of Goa are –

• Dekhini/Dakhni Dance : A dance form with an exceptional intermingling of traditional and modern music.
• Fugdi Dance: One of the common folk dances of the Goans, this traditional dance is very popular among girls and women.
• Dhalo Dance: A very common folk dance of Goa, this dance is another favorite of women of rural Goa.
• Kunbi Dance: A tribal folk dance of the Kunbi community that projects social themes.
• Lamp Dance: During the Shigmo festival , women holding lamps on their heads perform this dance.
• Morulem : A traditional folk dance performed by the backward community during Shigmo.
• Dhangar : Performed during Navratri, this worship and dance is full of enthusiasm and zeal.
• Mando : A kind of dance music which represents the perfect blend of Indian and western tradition.
• Goff Dance : A folk dance with cords, performed during the Shigmo Festival in March, expressing the joyousness of the Goan peasants after the harvest.
• Mussal Dance : This dance-cum-song is performed by the Kshatriyas to celebrate the victory of Harihar , the Hindu King of Vijaynagar over the Cholas in the early 14th century.
• Romat Dance : This thanks-giving ceremonial dance-cum-procession, accompanied by Dhols and Tashas , is performed during the Shigmo festival.