Portuguese-influenced folk dances of Daman and Diu
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Couple and group dances of the Christian and Luso-Indian families of Daman and Diu, set to violin, guitar and songs that show four centuries of Portuguese influence.
FolkWhere: Daman and DiuOccasion: Church feasts, weddings, Christmas and New Year, and cultural festivals
| Performed by | Men and women, usually in couples |
|---|---|
| Costume | Women in long, full skirts and blouses with scarves; men in trousers, shirts and waistcoats or caps |
| Music and instruments | Violin, guitar, mandolin and drums, with songs in Portuguese or the local Portuguese-based creole |
How it is performed
- Couples face each other in lines or a circle.
- They move with quick, light steps, turning and changing partners in set patterns.
- Hand claps, twirls and the waving of scarves mark the changes in the music.
- The dance ends with all couples coming together in a circle.
Significance
Daman and Diu were under Portuguese rule until 1961. These dances show the mixed heritage of the territory, where Indian and Portuguese traditions met.