Rajan Parrikar Photo Blog

Dhalo

Ancient fertility festival.

In January and February every year, the Gaude community of Goa celebrates a festival of dance known as Dhalo. It is an ancient ritual with origins in the fertility cult. Although both men and women participate in the festivities, the womenfolk assume the primary role. The central theme of Dhalo revolves around a group dance to the tunes of folk ditties. Performances begin late at night and continue into the small hours of the morning. The traditional setting was outdoors typically in a village clearing but these days much of the scene has shifted to the temple lobby.

These are vignettes of Dhalo I witnessed in 2013.

Dhalo dance  in Curca, Goa

Colours of Dhalo
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
Dhalo in Curca, Goa

Traditional lamp offering
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
Dhalo dance in Curca, Goa

Celebrations get underway
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP

 
Dhalo in Curca, Goa

Lined up for the dance
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
Dhalo dance in Curca, Goa

Flowers and finery
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP

 
Dhalo dance in Curca, Goa

Women, sarees, colour
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
Dhalo dance in Taleigao, Goa

Dhalo outdoors in Taleigao
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
 
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