Ramesh Savaikar
Bicholim
With various communities celebrating traditional Shigmo across the state, the Ghodemodni dance holds a significant place within the festival.
Ghodemodni is a notable warrior dance form performed particularly by the Maratha community who migrated from the Ghat region of Maharashtra to Goa.
The people of this community are settled along Maharashtra-Goa border in the villages of Mulgao, Bordem, Bicholim, Latambarcem, Kharpal, Kudchirem, Sarvan, Virdi, Matne, Amadgaon (Maharashtra) besides Ibrampur, Hankhane and Morjim in Pernem taluka.
In all these villages, the tradition of Ghodemodni has been maintained by the community.
Ghodemodni in Bordem is performed on the third day after Holi Pournima. This year, it will be held on March 16. The performance will be staged by the community members associated with Shri Sateri Ravalnath Devasthan located in the village.
During the performance, the members of the dance troupe, dressed as warriors with turbans, hold a wooden effigy of a horse fixed to a bamboo shaft covered with coloured cloths. Wielding swords in their right hand, they march toward the village temple, dancing to the beats of ‘dhol’ and ‘tashe.’ They pretend to be seated on horses as they dance.
Members of Ravalnathkar, Mahamayakar, Madhval and Saterikar Ghodemodni troupes dress up and go to ‘Chavvhata’, offer prayers there and then return back to’ ‘Gavtad’, where the warrior dance begins.
After offering prayers to Borde Vadeshwar at ‘Vadakaden’, the performers proceed in a procession of the revellers, dancing to the beats of dhol and tashe. The procession proceeds through Bhayli Peth up to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circle and returns back. This way, they make three or five rounds. Hundreds of people throng to Bordem to witness the spectacular dance form, which has remained popular across the state.
Ghodemodni troupes then return to Chavvhata, where puja is performed. Then they proceed to Gavtad, and get dispersed.
Ghodemodni in Mulgao will also be held on March 16. The festival here is also associated with Shri Sateri Ravalnath Devasthan. One dancer each from Raut, Parab, Gad and Chari communities have the right and honour to participate the dance.
From Sateri temple, the troupe proceeds to Ravalnath temple and then to Manasbagwada. Then
the troupe returns to a place called ‘Rayat,’ wherein it takes five rounds of firewood arranged for a bonfire. Puja is performed and then it is set alight. The troupe members take a dip in the Santeri temple tank and proceed to Manasbag, and later disperse.
Ghodemodni in the five villages, namely Bicholim (Shri Shantadurga Ravalnath), Sarvan (Shri Sateri –Shyampurush), Mayem (Mahamaya), Latambarsem (Sateri-Kelbai) and Kudchire will be held on March 17.
Ghodemodni in Sarvan is held during night time. The youngsters accompanying the Ghodemodni troupe here carry with them ‘chud’ (flame) amid shouts of ‘Haiyya-Ho, Ho-Haiyya’ to the dhol beats. After the culmination of Ghodemodni, those observing ‘vrat’ perform ‘agnidivya’ (walking barefoot on embers). This is unique to Ghodemodni festival of the Sarvan village.
