Dhalo Ritual Folk Dance, Goa
The Indian State of Goa is the one state the folk dance of whose locals are predominantly devoted to the almighty and is ritualistic in nature. Dhalo dance, in one way or another it can better be called a ritual folk dance. The beauty of Dhalo dance is that it is the women who perform their terrific dance and pay it is as obeisance to God for the protection of their household. The songs to which these folk dancers love to be one with are chiefly sung in either Konkani Language or the Marathi Language. Like most of the other dances, the themes of these folk songs and dances are mainly social and religious. The Dhalo dance is mainly performed at the onset of winters, which the locals call as Pausha and it lasts for over a week. Sometimes it might even extend to a period of more than seven days.
On the final day, women dress up intricately and ravishingly enough to become the cynosure of all eyes. The final days comes to an end with the women drawing caricatures of men as a part of the ritual. The Dhalo dance is performed by 12-14 women dancing in two parallel lines with interlocked arms.
Undoubtedly, the dance is a beautiful and perhaps a perfect blend of faith with art that has some profound effect on humanity. Dhalo is perhaps the art of Goa. So if you are in Goa during the onset of winters, do give a try to witness this dance form.
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Maruti Kumbhar
30 August 2023How it is celebrated and what songs are sung?