Introduction

Goff dance, also called "ribbon dance" is one of the popular folk dances of Goa. It is performed during the Shigmo festival in the month of Phalgun, as per the Hindu calender. Goan peasants mainly practice this dance after the harvest as a manifestation of their enjoyment. This dance has an affinity with tribal dance forms of the state of Gujarat. The dance is a major attraction during the festive season and it attracts audiences from various parts of the country.

Performance of Goff Dance

Generally, this folk dance is performed in a group. The dance can be performed by a group of males or females. Each dancer holds a colourful cord which hangs at the centre point of the ‘mand’, which is the place of dance performance. The dancers start dancing intricately forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the end of the first movement. The music begins once again and the dancers reverse the pattern of dancing in such a skillful manner that at the end of the second movement, the braid gets untied and all the cords are loose and single once again. There are 4 different braids of Goff dance.

There are four different braids of Goff dance. The songs that are sung during the dance performance are mostly devoted to Lord Krishna. The whole performance reflects a sense of gratitude and happiness that comes after a bountiful harvest. Goff dance is performed annually in Canacona, Sanguem and Quepem talukas of Goa during the Shigmo festival. Cancona was one the last territories which were taken over by the Portuguese in Goa. Owing to this reason, the people here are much more rooted to their past tradition.

Musical Instruments of Goff Dance

Ghumat, Samael, dhol, and Surta Shansi are melodic musical instruments that accompany the dance performance. These musical instruments are also part of the traditional or folk music of Goa.

Costume of Goff Dance

The costume of this folk dance is varied. However, all the attires that the dancers wear during the performance are traditional. Some male groups prefer to wear kurta - pajama and some kurta dhoti. Men usually cover their head with a traditional turban during the performance which further adds to the visual appeal of the whole dance. One the other hand, some female dance groups clad themselves in ghagra-choli while some wear saree. Women decorate their heads with flowers or ornaments while performing Goff dance.

Significance of Goff Dance

Goff dance is a traditional folk dance of Goa performed mainly by the Kunbi community during festivals and celebrations. It is known as a unique and vibrant dance form in which dancers weave colorful ropes into intricate patterns. The dance symbolizes unity, coordination, and teamwork, as performers skillfully intertwine and untangle the ropes while maintaining a steady rhythm. It is performed during Shigmo festival or Shigmotsav to welcome the spring season and celebrate the good harvest it brings. The festival is traditionally celebrated for 14 days where Goff dance, along with other folk dances of Goa, has become an integral part.

Apart from the Shigmo festival, Goff dance is also performed on stage or during occasion as it has become quote popular among Goans and also people from around the country. The dance represents the deep-rooted culture of the people if the region, especially celebrating their connection to agriculture.