Valpoi Police paying a ceremonial salute to the performers.
The traditional “Ghodemodni” dance performed during the Shigmo festival at Masorde in Sattari taluka is considered an important and vibrant part of the region’s folk culture. Symbolising bravery, tradition, and religious devotion, the festival is celebrated every year. This year too, the celebration took place on Thursday with large participation from devotees and locals.
The festivities began with traditional rituals and prayers performed at the village temple. A large number of villagers, citizens, and devotees were present on the occasion. For many years, the custom of celebrating the Ghodemodni festival in a traditional manner has been firmly rooted in the village.
In the afternoon, the Ghodemodni procession began in the village following traditional rituals performed in the presence of the temple priest and villagers. After the ceremonial worship, performers began the unique dance performance and the decorated “horses” entered Valpoi town. As per tradition, the Valpoi Police Station paid a ceremonial salute to the performers. This practice of the police paying respects to the Ghodemodni troupe has continued for many years.
Devotees from Valpoi and nearby areas welcomed the procession at various locations and performed rituals for the symbolic horses. Rangolis were drawn along public roads, and lamps were lit at many places. In the evening, the Ghodemodni performance was held in front of the Shri Hanuman Temple in Valpoi. The dance performance, which lasted for about an hour, saw participation from devotees and citizens.
In the Ghodemodni dance, performers tie a wooden horse structure around their waist and hold swords while dancing energetically to the beats of traditional drums.
According to villagers, the tradition of celebrating Shigmo and performing Ghodemodni in Masorde dates back hundreds of years.
After the Ghodemodni celebration, the traditional Karvalya festival begins in Masorde, which continues for six to seven days with various religious and cultural programs.
