Folk Music in Goa
One
of Goa's most discerning assets is its rich cultural heritage. Its natural beauty
and hospitality together with this heritage has put Goa on the internatinal
tourist map, and is acclaimed as one of the most popular tourist destination
in the world. Music, dance and folklore are deeply rooted in the heart of Goans,
and the rhythm runs in the blood of the people of Goa. Goan folklore, which
comprises folk songs, dances, music, visual arts and folk tales, are rich in
content and variety.
The folk music has devotional as well as contermporary overtones, and it displays
a lively rhythm. And the folk dances reflect that rhythmic vitality. Folk songs
and dances are accompanied by a variety of instruments such as Ghumot, Dhol,
Cymbalsdrums, Flutes, Harmonium, Violins and Guitars.
Ghode Modhni, Mando, Dekhni, Goff, Talgadi, Shigmo, Tonyamel, Dhangar Dance,
Mussal Khel, Jagor, Suvari, Fugdi, and Dhalo, Lamp Dance, Veerbhadra, and Kunbi
songs and dances are some of the popular folk dances of Goa, and they are best
performed during local festivals in their respective villages.
Mando: A love song. It represents the mingling of Indian and Western tradition.
Monilem: A traditional folk dance presented by the backward community during
Shigmo festival.
Mussal-Khel-Pestel Dance: A dance-cum-song in praise of valiant Kings. It also
projects incidents in the village life of the times, Romat, Tonya Mel and Dhendio
are some other folk dance forms.
Suvari Folk Music: It is a traditional tone setter to ail Hindu religious and
festival performances. Talgadi: Folk dance performed by men-a social sophisticated,
outdoor group dance for men. Taranga Mel: Banners mela of Farmers.
Tonyamel: Folk dance with sticks- A very vigorous and muscular group dance which
is connected with the farm-folk celebrating the joys of good harvest.
