The Konkani dance Fugdi is performed by the Goan women. The dance is performed on special occasions like Vrata, Ganesh Chathurthhi etc. The women of Goa take a break from their regular chores and have fun through dancing. This takes place in the month of the Bhaadrapa. The Dhangar community also known as the shepherds are known to perform this dance in devotion to their Goddess Mahalakshmi for conducting the Vrata. Therefore, the Fugdi is considered as a traditional dance which is dedicated to Hindu ritualistic festivals.
This dance has acquired popularity as it doesn’t require any musical instrument. Through this dance the performers offer heartfelt thanksgiving to the Hindu gods and also they sing the songs loudly and dance in a rhythmic way. According to the rhythm, their dance also increases. As the dance movements become very fast, the women dance along by breathing out the sound ‘Foo’ loudly. Hence, the dance got the name ‘fugdi.’
As the women catch coconuts in their hands, it shows that they are at liberty to move and dance freely. Every day the women have to walk very far to fetch water from the wells. So the catching of coconut symbolises that they are free today. There are various sub forms of Fugdi like ‘Bus Fugd’i, ‘Rahat’, ‘Zimma’, ‘Phakwa,’ etc. They are quite famous in the surrounding villages.
Variations of Fugdi Dance
The Fugdi dance has two variant forms. The villagers perform this dance by forming circles while the people in the forests form rows and perform the dance. The dance has many attractive features like some steps and hand laps as well as gestures. This is done for worshiping the Hindu deities. The pace goes on increasing until it attains momentum and finally arrives at the climax without any help of a musical instrument.
Fugdi Dance video