Folk Dances from Goa

Morulem

In Goa the men folk of Naik (Maratha) community perform the dance called Morulem which literally means a peacock. Each of the dancers wear a peacock feather on his headgear. The dance movements, however, do not always imitate that of a peacock. It is such a popular dance in Goa that now-a-days girls also have started participating in the dance. Though danced at any time of the year, it is particularly danced during the 5 day Shimoga festival held in the lunar month of Phalguna (February/March). The dancers, along with other villagers, go to each house and dance in the open courtyard to celebrate the festival. On the last day of the festival the dance is performed at an open place in the village. The accompanying musical instruments are : Peti, the harmonium; Mridanga, a drum with two faces (often the pair of Dugi-Tabla is played instead of Mridanga), Kansalem, large size gong, and Jhanj, the cymbals.

Tarangmel

The Tarangmel of Goa is danced on the occasion of Dussehra and Holi festivals. The youth of Goa swarm the streets in colorful groups waving flags and streamers (toning) inspiring and inviting one and all to imbibe the festive spirit. The spirited youth shout Ho ! Ho! to the rhythmic beat of the percussion music provided by Romut, Dhol and Tasha. A colorful atmosphere is created by the colorful costumes the dancers wear and the varied hues of the flags and streamers they carry.