Goan Dances

Goan Dances

Goff
The spring dance associated with spring festivities and danced by peasant of Canacona Taluka. Strict discipline and co-operation is demanded n the part of the participants in this style of dance as they all share a cord of different colours in their hands (these multi coloured cords hang down from a point above the dancers) and perfect rhythm, restriction of movements and all attention are the features of this artistic weaving of braid on music of Cymbals and song. This braid formation dance is said to practiced also in some parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Dekni
A dance performed by women. This is the song of the temple dancing girl. The "porios" or temple dancers were professional in their engagements. Their service's was a must for rich Hindu weddings and hence near Hindu temples. The ladies wear gunngurs to their feet and tap them giving graceful accaompainment to the song. The most important dekni song are"Aga Taria, Taria Mama" and " damulea Matvan Vetam" (in Konkani)accompanied by Ghumot and Harmonium.

Kunbi Dance
A dance of the Kunbi community in open air life, they have always a song on their lips, singing while they work, and as they leisure, at all functions. Their traditional costumes are red colour, "Capod, Choli and white tualo, brass ornaments", their hair full of flowers adds sprightness and life to the dance. Ghumot is the instrument played by them.

Musall Khell
Originally, this dance was performed by the Gaokars of Chandor on a full moon light night, in the month of Falguna, the folk dancers are Christians and the lyrics of, the song is in honour of Valiant Hindu Kings. It reflects the fourteen century when harihara of Vijayanagar Dyansty defeated the Cholas of Chandor. The Musall is struck on the ground, making melodious sound, it has a metallic discs, which hits each other. the dancers wear doti, shirt, jacket and turban.

Satryo
The festival of umbrella, is performed at Cuncolim, articipants walk and dance with colourful sacred umbrellas, which are about seven feet in length, swirling them in their hand while dancing, which attracts the onlookers. Both the Hindus and the Christians (Ganvkars), participate in this dance, the procession halts and perform dance at particular sports. the instruments used are Surta, Shenai, Dholkem and Kaansaolem.