GODEMODNI DANCE FORM

                                   
Goa was the region, which was ruled by the Portuguese for many years. Hence, the European influence is very strong in folk art & culture of the State. Similarly, it is quite evident in the annual Carnival Festival of Goa.

Ghode Modni dance is named according to words -`Ghode` means `horse` and `Modni` means `gyrations and dance-like movements`. The dance is literally involving horse-like movements in its performance. It is a spectacular warrior-dance performed for the remembrance of the victory of the Ranes, the Maratha rulers of the Satari taluka in Goa, over the Portuguese.

This dance is more popular in Bicholim, Pernem and Satari talukas which was once ruled by the Marathas. It is also performed during the time of Shigmo festival in Goa. For the performance, the kshatriya dancers wear a huge head gears made up of colourful flowers. And the wooden horses are beautifully bridled and decorated with spotless white clothes, and there are tied ghungurs on the anklets. The performance begins with the simple steps of the dance. With holding the bridle in one hand and brandishing and waving a naked sword in the other hand, the dancers take forward and backward steps on the beat of drums - Dhol, Tasha and Cymbals. These instruments are used to recreate the prancing of war horses.

Basically, the brave deeds & praiseful actions of the Goan warriors are expressed in their dance named as Godhe Modni dance. This dance is also known as dummy horse presentation, where the attractively dressed dancers armed with swords perform. For three days the people are in a mood for fun and frolic during Carnival. This dance is a special attraction of this Annual Carnival season.