#TGLife
Goa has a rich tradition of folk dances, and perhaps one of the most popular of them is Fugdi. Tracing its roots to the primeval times, Fugdi has been a part of the Goan society for centuries and is loved even today, and is practiced across all communities cutting across the lines of religion. In the early days, it was a way for women to find amusement from the daily chores of running the household. Today, the folk dance serves as a colourful piece of our rich heritage, and is performed on special occasions.
Among the Hindu community, Fugdi is played mostly in the month of Bhadrapada, celebrating occasions such as Ganesh Chaturthi. While the village folk play it in circle formation, those who have their roots in forest-dwelling communities play Fugdi in row formation. Apart from this, the Dhangar community in Goa has its own distinctive style of Fugdi.
Some noteworthy styles of Fugdi include Kalshi Fugdi where women dance while creating rhythm from catching and tapping traditional pots made of copper. Another variant of this style is Katti Fugdi, performed using coconut shells. Other styles of Fugdi include ‘GIrki, Zhimma, Ghuma, etc.
As Goa prepares for its most beloved festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, Goan Varta will be paying a tribute to the great folk dance tradition with a special event titled Fugdi Darshan, which will showcase forms and styles of Fugdi across Goa. The event is set to be held on Friday, July 26, 3 pm onwards, at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir Ponda.
