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Dashavatara Dance | Dashavatara performing arts

Dashavatara performing arts - Dashavatara word refers to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Das' means ten, 'Avatar' means incarnations). Scholars are divided into two groups as far as the origin of the dance is concerned.

Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a dance form from Kerala, and they worship a deity of the Walaval region of Kerala. Whatever the source maybe, the form was introduced to the Konkan region in the 16th century.

The subject of the theft of the 'Vedas' is conversed by the"Sutradhar" (stage manager), 'Brahmin' figures, women actors on behalf of the rivers, actors playing Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and the demon Shankhasur.

The proposal continues for about two hours, and the appropriate drama known as "Akhyana" begins after this. The play, concerning itself with stories from the epics and mythology, concludes at sunrise.

The red and white makeup of Dashavatara actors distinguishes them from the spectators who arrive brusquely before 11.00 pm for the performance. The evening commences with prayers to Ganapati or Ganesha.

Dashavatara traditions - Dashavatara is believed to have evolved from “Yakshagana”; others consider it to have emerged from “Kuchipudi”.

The state of Goa is rich in culture and heritage, and art – especially performing art in Goa – in a unique feature of the state. Though all these forms fall under the wide classification of dance, drama and music, yet the Dance in Goa has a distinct Goan flavor and can be easily be distinguished from those of the other states. The most significant part about the Dance in Goa is the fact that it colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goan heritage. Moreover, dance in Goa is very ethnic; it is an amalgamation of the Indian aspects with the imported Western one. As a direct result of this fusion, various forms of dances have evolved, depending on the interpretation and expression of the social trends and techniques over the ages. So, different dance forms grew alongside the classical dance style. Each occasion has a separate dance; and each of these dances is distinctly different from the others

The Dekni is essentially performed by Women and is a traditional dance form. The music to which this dance is performed is has ingredients of both the East and the West. So the music is both ethnical and contemporary. The chief folk dances in Goa are the Fugdi and Dhalo and the Kunbi. The Kunbi, however, has elements of tribal dance to it as well. Their dance belongs to the era before the Portuguese conquest. The other unique feature about this dance is the fact that it is devoid of religious content and is mainly social. The Morulem is a folk dance of the rearward communities, and is performed on the Shigmo. The Lamp Dance too is a unique specialty of Goa. Performed chiefly by women during the time of the Shigmo, it is danced by balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head. It is popular mainly in southern and central Goa.

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