Dance and Drama

Goa bears evidences of its diverse historical past in its people, food, architecture, culture and entertainment. The Dance and drama forms of Goa are also influenced by the various cultures. The folk dances and the dance dramas reflect the various cultural influences that have shaped the present day Goan way of life.

Dance:

The folk dances of Goa offer a glimpse into the colorful life that is so typical of the state. Some of the dances are also depictions of old tradition that have been in practice for centuries. There are about 27 folk art forms in Goa. You can be a part of it at the cultural festivals that are organized by prestigious academies. At the festivals you get to see both dance and drama, among the other art forms.

The Shigmostav, which is held in the month of March, is one of the many festivals where you get to see many of the folk dances of Goa. Some of the dances are celebratory while some are meant for offering prayers. Some others carry on old traditions that were first initiated many centuries ago. Some of the popular Goan dances are:

• Goff dance
• Talgadi
• Romat
• Morulem
• Virabhadre
• Dekhni
• Foogdi
• Mande
• Mussal
• Godhi Modni
• Dhale
• Tonyamell

Drama:

Jagar and Tiatr are two popular drama forms of Goa. Jagar is the earliest form of drama that portrays traditional Indian themes. Stories of epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana) often feature in these dramas along with social issues. Tiatr is the unique drama form of Goa, which also includes songs in between.

While discussing about Goan dance and drama mention must be made of "Dashavatara". This form describes the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu through drama, song and dance. This is one of the most prominent traditional Indian art forms and it resembles many of the classical dance forms of India. The dances, especially from the Southern states of Kerala and Karnataka have similarities with this art form.