Folk Songs of Goa

Folk Songs of Goa

Goa, also known as the ‘Rome of East’ is one of the most happening and modern tourist destinations in India with heritage Goan culture and tradition.
Colonized by Portuguese for 450 years, cultural heritage of Goa consists of numerous goa churches, temples and mosques.
Goa’s exotic beaches that sprawl over wide and soft sands as well as the sea food of Goa are much admired and liked by people visiting Goa from different places.
Goa’s cultural richness and vividness is well reflected through Goan folk dances, Goan folk culture and Goan songs.
One also gets charmed by a series of Christian monuments that reveal some of the most attractive architecture.
Goa has a fairly long history of association with music – both Indian and Western.
While these two labels might give the impression of distinct categories, one must remember that the peculiarities of the Goan historical encounters have also produced a blending or `fusion’ of the Oriental and the Occidental in many areas, including music.
Music and songs play a very important role in Goan theatre it would be pertinent to briefly trace their evolution and impact on Goan culture.
Music is as old as language. Many ancient peoples, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and Babylonians, and the peoples of India, used music in court and religious ceremonies.
The first written music dates from about 2500 B.C.
Musical instruments like the seven-keyed flute and the Veena have been found among the artefacts of the Harappa and Mohenjo-daro excavations.
According to the Samaveda both vocal and instrumental music formed part of sacrificial worship

Singer in Goa

Numerous popular singers came up from Goa to please the minds and hearts of music lovers.
Singers such as Emiliano D’cruz, Prince Jacob, , Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Alfred Rose, Kid Boxer, Rosario Rodrigues, Tony King and J. B. Rod. Goa also showcases buzzing nightlife to you.
Goans flock around exotic beaches or let the various restaurants go buzzing all through the night. Festivals as well are celebrated with great festive cheer.

Mando

Mando refers to the various love songs that are enriched by capturing each and every emotion.
These are folk songs that came into existence with the Goan aristocracy.
The starting of these songs reflect the sad state of mind but the rhythm they acquire in the end is named as dulpod.
A blend of Indian and Western traditions can be found in these songs.
The contemporary songs belonging to this category present varied and distinct emotions and therefore, they are difference from the old compositions such as bhajan, arti, dasarwadem, etc

Dekhni

Dekhni is referred as a song cum dance.
This is because the song has western bearings while the dance is of Indian form. It is only the Women dancers who conduct this beautiful dance.
A film producer got so enchanted by a popular Dekhni song that he made it familiar to every child of the country.
Whenever this dance is performed, it is done with ghumat

Foogdi

Goa’s most popular song cum dance is Foogdi performed by women and that is performed on important social and religious occasions.
It is an indoor dance that derives its name from the ‘Foo Foo’ Sound made by the dancers by blowing air into a pot they hold as they spring rhythmically.
No musical instruments are used.
The most common version of Fugdi dance out of the 27 variations is the one performed in a circular pattern.
Beginning at a slow pace of footwork with invocation to Hindu gods, it picks up speed towards the climax.

MUSSAL KHEL

This is one of the folk inheritances that involve a song cum dance done in the praise of brave kings.
An important aspect associated with this dance is that it is performed by Christians to praise a Hindu King.
The main day when the dance is performed is the beautiful full moon day of falguna month of the Hindu calendar.
It is basically performed by Cholas/”>The Cholas of Chandor who were defeated by the Harihar of Vijaynagar dynasty.

KUNBI SONGS AND DANCE

Kunbi songs and dances are actually played by the primitive settlers in Goa that delineate ancient traditions.
The songs belong to The Portuguese era and they are basically for the enjoyment of the dancers.

Dhalo:

Dhalo is another weeklong popular dance cum song performed at a pre-selected venue called ‘Mand’ in someone’s courtyard.
Normally 24 women take part in this dance that is performed on moonlit winter nights when the paddy crop is near harvesting in the Hindu month of ‘Pausha’.
They form two parallel rows sing religious and social songs and putting their arms around each other’s waist, move in unison.
On the concluding day of the dance the women wear fancy dresses and caricature men folk of the village

Musical Instruments (In General to All Music)

Musical instruments can be grouped in five major classes.
These classes are

Stringed instruments,
Wind instruments,
Percussion instruments,
Keyboard instruments,
Electronic instruments.

Among these percussion instruments are regarded as having the earliest origin.
In Goa the Ghumot is regarded as an instrument that is unique to Konkani music and reflects the ingenuity of covering the mouth of an earthen pot to transform it into a musical instrument.
Native instruments continued to be played along with European ones.
The Ghumot continued as an essential element of many Folk Dances of Goa and has been incorporated into ‘fusion’ music.’

Musical Instruments used during singing

Music is an important component of the Performing Arts like dance and drama, and of rituals. Each community has its own style of music and tradition of songs.
There are essentially two ways to make music:

With the human voice
With an instrument.

The musical instruments are classified on the basis of the scientific principle used to create the sound they make. They are briefly described below.

Percussion Instruments: These instruments are struck to produce sound. Often these are used to produce the taal or beat and do not produce all the musical note or cymbals.
Wind Instruments: These need air to flow through them to produce soundóbansuri or flute.
String Instruments: These are instruments that use one or many tightly tied strings that when struck vibrate to create soundóthe veena or ektara.
Drums: A drum is made of a membrane stretched across a hollow frame and played by striking the dholak or mridangam.

Basic/General Features of Folk Music across India as well as Goa

India has a very rich and varied tradition of folk music.
The extreme diversity in rural culture spawns endless varieties of folk styles.
Each region has its own particular approach and repertoire.
There is a propensity to lump folk music along with tribal music, but strictly speaking this is not correct.
Where folk music is a rustic reflection of Society/”>Indian Society at large, tribal music often reflects cultures that are very different.
Some of these tribal cultures are throwbacks to society as it was thousands of years ago.
Folk and tribal music is not taught in the same way that Indian classical music is taught.
There are no formal periods of apprenticeship where the student is able to devote their entire time to Learning music; the economic realities of rural life do not permit this.
Folk musicians must still attend to their normal duties of farming, hunting, or whatever their chosen occupation is.
Folk music is learned almost as if by osmosis.
From childhood, the music is heard and imbibed as a simple matter of life.
There are many public activities that allow the villagers to practice their musical skills.
Folk music is an indispensable part of functions such as weddings, births and engagements.
There is a vast body of songs for each occasion.
There are also songs associated with harvesting and planting.
In these activities, the villagers routinely sing of their fears, hopes and aspirations.
Folk music is also used for Education.
There is a ceremony when a girl has her first period.
In this function, the elderly women in the village gather at the house (men are excluded), the girl is given her first langa and woni (the half sari which is worn by unmarried women), rich food and other presents.
At this time, the women sing songs that are extremely bawdy.
To an outsider, this would seem out of character for obviously respectable community members.
However, the purpose of such songs is to provide the girl’s first instructions on her emerging womanhood and what her future duties as a wife will be.

Folk songs of Goa are a rich and diverse tradition that has been passed down through generations. The songs reflect the history, culture, and people of Goa, and they continue to be an important part of Goan life today.

One of the most popular types of Goan folk song is the baila. Bailas are lively, danceable songs that are often performed at weddings and other celebrations. They are typically sung in Konkani, and they often tell stories of love, loss, and everyday life.

Another popular type of Goan folk song is the bhatkar. Bhatkars are slower, more meditative songs that are often sung by women. They often deal with themes of nature, religion, and philosophy.

Dands are another type of Goan folk song that is often sung at weddings and other celebrations. They are typically fast-paced and upbeat, and they often feature call-and-response vocals.

Devnagor songs are religious songs that are sung in the Konkani language. They are often used in Hindu temples and other religious ceremonies.

Fados are Portuguese-style songs that are popular in Goa. They are typically slow and melancholic, and they often deal with themes of love, loss, and longing.

Gavs are folk songs that are sung in the Konkani language. They are often about everyday life in Goa, and they can be about anything from love to work to the weather.

Konkani folk music is a diverse genre that includes a variety of different styles. Some of the most popular styles include bailas, bhatkars, dands, devnagora, fado, gavs, and manddos.

Manddos are folk songs that are sung in the Konkani language. They are often about love and romance, and they can be quite beautiful.

Naukar songs are folk songs that are sung by servants. They are often about the hardships of life as a servant, and they can be quite moving.

PoltÃ£o songs are folk songs that are sung by fishermen. They are often about the dangers of the sea, and they can be quite exciting.

Sordd songs are folk songs that are sung by farmers. They are often about the joys and hardships of life as a farmer, and they can be quite informative.

Tiatrs are Goan musical comedies that often feature folk songs. They are a popular form of entertainment in Goa, and they often deal with social and political issues.

Vadya is a type of Goan folk music that is played on traditional instruments such as the ghumot, the tabla, and the harmonium. It is often used to accompany folk dances and songs.

Zarzuelas are Spanish-style operas that are popular in Goa. They often feature folk songs and dances, and they are a popular form of entertainment.

Goan folk songs are a rich and diverse tradition that has been passed down through generations. The songs reflect the history, culture, and people of Goa, and they continue to be an important part of Goan life today.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about folk songs:

What is a folk song?
A folk song is a traditional song that is passed down orally from generation to generation. It is often associated with a particular culture or region.
What are the characteristics of a folk song?
Folk songs are typically simple in melody and structure. They often have a repetitive chorus and are easy to sing along to. They may also be accompanied by simple instruments, such as a guitar or a fiddle.
What are some examples of folk songs?
Some examples of folk songs include “Amazing Grace,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Old McDonald Had a Farm.”
What is the history of folk music?
Folk music has been around for centuries. It is thought to have originated in ancient times, when people would sing songs to pass the time or to celebrate special occasions. Folk music has evolved over time, but it still retains its traditional roots.
What are some of the different types of folk music?
There are many different types of folk music, each with its own unique characteristics. Some common types of folk music include ballads, lullabies, work songs, and dance songs.
What are some of the instruments that are commonly used in folk music?
Some of the instruments that are commonly used in folk music include the guitar, the fiddle, the banjo, and the harmonica.
What are some of the different ways that folk music is performed?
Folk music can be performed in a variety of ways. It can be sung a cappella, or it can be accompanied by instruments. It can also be performed in a variety of settings, such as at festivals, concerts, or in people’s homes.
What are some of the benefits of listening to folk music?
There are many benefits to listening to folk music. It can help to improve your memory, your cognitive skills, and your emotional well-being. It can also help you to connect with your culture and your heritage.
Where can I learn more about folk music?
There are many Resources available for learning more about folk music. You can find books, websites, and even museums that are dedicated to folk music. You can also attend folk festivals or concerts to experience folk music firsthand.

Which of the following is not a folk song of Goa?
(A) The Dindi
(B) The Mando
(C) The Konkani Bhajan
(D) The Fado
The Dindi is a folk song that is typically sung at which of the following occasions?
(A) Weddings
(B) Funerals
(C) Harvest festivals
(D) All of the above
The Mando is a folk song that is typically sung in which of the following languages?
(A) Konkani
(B) Marathi
(C) Portuguese
(D) English
The Konkani Bhajan is a folk song that is typically sung in which of the following religions?
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Christianity
(C) Islam
(D) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
The Fado is a folk song that is typically sung in which of the following countries?
(A) Portugal
(B) Spain
(C) France
(D) Italy
Which of the following is not a characteristic of folk songs?
(A) They are typically passed down orally from generation to generation.
(B) They are often associated with a particular region or culture.
(C) They often have a simple melody and repetitive lyrics.
(D) They are often performed by a group of people.
Which of the following is not a type of folk song?
(A) Ballad
(B) Lullaby
(C) Work song
(D) Rap
Which of the following is not a function of folk songs?
(A) To entertain
(B) To educate
(C) To preserve history
(D) To promote Social Change
Which of the following is not a reason why folk songs are important?
(A) They provide a sense of identity for a group of people.
(B) They can be used to teach children about history and culture.
(C) They can be used to promote social change.
(D) They can be used to make Money.
Which of the following is not a way to preserve folk songs?
(A) Singing them
(B) Writing them down
(C) Recording them
(D) Selling them