TGLife
Goan Varta and Directorate of Art and Culture have jointly organised Fugdi Darshan 2018 wherein groups across Goa will present traditional Fugdi folk art on Sunday, August 26 from 10 am onwards at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda. A special book based on Fugdi will be launched during the programme during the programme where the minister for Art and Culture and Tribal Welfare, Govind Gawade will be present as the chief guest.
Women from across Goa are looking forward to participate in this much awaited Fugdi festival to showcase their talents. Amelia Dias who has contributed immensely to carry forward the rich legacy of traditional Dhalo Fugdi in the Christian Gauda community, shares, “I have been nurturing my bond with the folk art right from my childhood and into adulthood. This connection with art has taken me to countries outside India too.” Amelia, who represents St Sebastiao Mahila Mandal, Kinayabhat, Quepem, was honoured with an award at the hands of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. She has also been felicitated by the Goa government’s Art and Culture department, and Kala Academy for her state level contribution to the field of folk art.
Hailing from Bhuipal in Sattari, Nagi Varak too has fondly carried forward the folksong heritage of Dhangar community. Representing these tribal women from the remote hills, hinterlands and plains, Nagi has continued the transition of their songs of nature to the next generation. “I have a whole treasure trove of Dhangari Fugdi and marriage songs,” she boasts. The state government and local organisations have taken note of Nagi’s contribution to the folk art.
Living at Virdi near Sankhali, homemaker Chandravati Chandrakant Avakhale is well versed in singing Dhalo, Fugdi, Angai Geete (lullaby), Jatyavaril Ovya, Mhani, Ukhane etc and is ever enthusiastic to exhibit her vocal art whenever she gets a chance. “I enjoy singing the songs from my maternal hometown Sarvan (Bicholim) too,” she quips.
Laxmi Harwalkar is a versatile folk artist from Nagargao, at the foothills of Sahyadri. She not only sings folk songs but has a whole stock of folklores too. Laxmi admits, “I enjoy being one with nature and songs have the power to do so.” Laxmi’s work has won recognition from Kala Academy as well as Goa government.
Apart from being the president of Gauri Mahila Mandal, Shaila Janu Velip who hails from Vaijavado, Shristhal at Canacona is the president of Gauri Mahila Mandal. She is the main artist of folksongs and folkdances whenever such presentations are held across Goa. She has participated along with her group in the Kala Academy folkdance festivals. With the motivation of Art and Culture department, she and her group also participated in the ‘Fulonwali ki Sair’ festival in New Delhi. Shaila also participates in AIR and Doordarshan programmes. “I am thankful to Art and Culture department for encouraging us to participate in state level programmes and exhibit our art,” she shares.
