Goan Music
Goa
Music
In Goa, music flows in the veins of the people there. A person
does not need an occasion to break into a song. Be it a festival,
wedding, birthday party, or just friends meeting over a cup of
tea, music rules every occasion. The traditional music of Goa
has acquired some elements from western music also. This was because
of the Portuguese rule in this state for two centuries. The folk
music of Goa though still retains its charm and
identity and at the same time, smoothly blends the western tunes
and pitches. Over the years, the Goan trance music has gained
popularity among the crowds.
Goa is almost synonymous with trance music and one can see many
trance parties taking place on the beaches of Goa. This transition
took place somewhere around 1960 - 70 when many hippies came to
Goa and made it a hot tourist destination for
the like minded. Since they enjoyed trance music, they introduced
the same over there too. Goa is also much influenced
by western classical music and listens to the likes of Bob Marley,
Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, etc. The current generation listens
to rock and hip hop music religiously. Some famous forms of traditional
music of Goa are discussed below.
Mando
One of the most popular forms of traditional Goan music
is known as Mando. This music is usually sung to a dance and is
usually sung in a chorus. Mando is the preferred style of music
for a wedding party it is said to have evolved from ballroom dancing
that was in vogue here during the nineteenth century.
Ovi
Ovi is a popular form of music that is sung during weddings by
the womenfolk present there. This kind of folk music is sung during
a ritual in which coconut milk is applied in small quantities
on the bride and groom as a symbol of prosperity in terms of material
wealth and family. The songs that are sung usually revolve around
the theme of a happy life ahead with a bright future.
Suvari
The Suvari is a popular form of folk as well as traditional music
that forms an integral part of festivals and religious occasions.
Suvari is basically instrumental orchestra that involves a synchronized
combination of different tunes set to stylized beats. The instruments
are basically traditional in nature like Ghumat, Shamel, Cymbals,
Harmonium, etc.
