Folklore of Goa

Goa’s culture of dance and music is a blend of East and West. This cultural synthesis has its own distinctive forms. The urban areas are more attracted towards modern Indian and Western music styles whereas the rural people have retained their rich folk culture for over centuries. Traditional Konkani folk songs are sung during special occasions. Manddo, the traditional Goan music which originated in the nineteenth century, is sung and danced on various fairs and festivals.

Goan folk dances reflect the lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of the society. Women perform a number of the traditional dances like Dekni - a rare blend of traditional and modern music. Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances of Goa. The Kunbi is a tribal folk dance. Women holding lamps on their heads perform the lamp dance during Shigmo festival. Morulem is another traditional folk dance presented by the backward community during Shigmo.