G.B. International  ::-   India Tours ::-   Goa

A land of blended cultures, the unison finds expression in the art and crafts of Goa. While on a visit to Goa, its difficult to resist temptation to buy souvenirs. One can see temples and churches adorned with 'folk' paintings. These paintings usually depict scenes from Mahabharata or Ramayana or the new testaments. The museums and art galleries in Goa also display numerous examples of the Goan art. And not just the churches and the art galleries, you can catch glimpses of how the Portuguese and Indian forms merge in humble house holds.

Among the crafts of Goa, there is no end. Its difficult to pick what is best, the exquisitely carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta work or the 'visible everywhere' sea shells work. Even in today's Techno driven world, these hand made souvenirs look so attractive on the counters of shops.

The art and craft of Goa, like its culture has come out of a blend of Indo-Portuguese art forms. Capturing the fancy of Goans as well as tourists, Goa craft has won critical acclaim from the connoisseurs of the art world.

Types of Handicrafts

The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and Embroidery, Fiber and Batik prints, Fiber Stone Carving, Coconut Shell Carving, Metal Embossing, Silver and Imitation Jewelry, Cotton Dolls, Soft Toys, Woolen Tapestry, and Artistic Weaving.


GOA ART AND DANCES

Goa has plenty festivals and fairs around temples and churches which also commemorate legends. On such occasions, a Goan peasant manifests joy and happiness.

Bhandap:
A traditional folk dance performed by the womenfolk of the scheduled tribe community who were the earliest settlers of Goa, in the second half of the Hindu month Bhadrapada.

Corredinho-Portuguese Folk Dance:
A peasant dance which is popular among Goan elite youth. Dekhm-Beauty dance: Performed only by women, displays a rare blend of Indian & Western rhythms.

Dhangar Dance
In Navratra days. a vigorous session of worship dance. Fugdi & Dhalo: Folk dance performed by women. The most common folk dance forms of Goa. Ghode Modnr: It is 111 commemoration of the return of the Ranes after victories over the Portuguese in Bicholim and Satari Taluka.

Goff-folk Dance
It manifests joy and happiness of Goa peasants after the harvest, dining Shigmo Festival in Phalgun month. Nanpet-Sword Dance: A traditional warrior dance performed during the Shigmo Festival. Kala & Dashatlai: Folk dance forms representing the subsequent development of jagar as tiatr. Some of the other popular folk drama forms are Ranmale, Ratkala and Tiatr.

Kunbi Dance
Tribal folk dance: A group dance-cum-song thoroughly rustic. Lamp Dance: Performed during Shigmo festival by women holding lamps on their heads.

Mando
A love song. It represents the mingling of Indian and Western tradition. Monilem: A traditional folk dance presented by the backward community during Shigmo festival.

Mussal-Khel-Pestel Dance
A dance-cum-song in praise of valiant Kings. It also projects incidents in the village life of the times, Romat, Tonya Mel and Dhendio are some other folk dance forms.

Suvari Folk Music
It is a traditional tone setter to all Hindu religious and festival performances. Talgadi: Folk dance performed by men-a social sophisticated, outdoor group dance for men. Taranga Mel: Banners mela of Farmers.

Tonyamel
Folk dance with sticks- A very vigorous and muscular group dance which is connected with the farm-folk celebrating the joys of good harvest.