Given India’s incredible diversity, it’s no surprise that the cultural components that flow through the country are equally diverse and different. Every state in India has its own distinct identity as far as dance form is concerned. Andhra Pradesh has Kuchipudi, Gujarat has Garba, Kerala is famous for the Kathakali dance, Bangra is popular in Punjab and Odissi in Odisha to name a few. Goa too has several musical dance forms which includes Mando. Fugdi is the folk dance of Goa. Kunbi is a festival dance of the state while Dhalo is a popular ritual folk dance and Corredinho is a Portuguese-influenced dance of Goa. Of late the ‘Kottiacho Nach’ (coconut shell dance) is gaining popularity among Goans. At the ‘Burgeanchem Fest’ held at Navelim this dance form was very much on display. The dance involves making a rhythmic sound by banging two halves of the coconut shell, colourfully painted and are hung by a string from the neck. It is pertinent to note that last year a ‘Kotti Fugdi’ performance by ‘Goan Dance Group’ was on show at Goa@60 Roadshow at Mysore in Karnataka. The ‘Kottiacho Nach’ needs to be popularized in a big way in the state.
