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Introduction

Dhangar Dance :

Dhangars, a shepherd community believed to have migrated from Kathiawar region of South Gujarat and settled in the hilly northwestern fringes of Goa, are very pious and worship the God called "Bira Deva".

During Navaratri (literally meaning 'nine nights') festival, the leader of the house observes abstinence and fast, takes bath at early hours in the morning, milks his share of lone one cup of milk per day and prays and dances before the family deity.

On the tenth day, after a feast, all the families take out their family idols to an open space in the village, called 'Mand' and perform a vigorous session of dance accompanied by song.

The dance begins with a slow beat and simple footwork to the accompaniment of Dhol, cymbals and a long flute called 'Pawa'. Their traditional songs centre on the love story of the Hindu God Krishna and his beloved Radha. The Kathiawari-styled white dress and turban in this dance point to their ancestral lineage.

See Also Other Folk Art Forms of Goa:

( Dashavatara | Dekhni | Dhalo | Dhangar | Fugdi |Ghodemodni | Goff | Kunbi | Mando | Muslam Khel |Ranmale | Samayi Dance | Veerbhadra | Other Folk Dances )