In Karnataka, Goan tribals proudly showcase their cultural roots

Keri: They migrated from Goa to Uttar Kannada’s forested areas in Karnataka to escape the religious persecution of the Portuguese. But even after so many years, these tribal dwellers have cherished their cultural and ancestral links and celebrate it with aplomb during the annual Shigmo festival, which concludes on the full moon day of Phalgun.
The villages bordering Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary of Sanguem and Joida taluka in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka are occupied by a sizeable tribal population belonging to the Velip community.

Ravi Mirashi, 50, a resident of Bondeli, said, “Our traditional Shigmo festival commences on the night of Mahashivaratri. But our folk troupes begin visiting nearby villages from the ninth day of Phalgun. During the Portuguese era, our forefathers migrated to the forested villages of Uttar Kannada district. And even after so many generations, we have maintained our rich cultural bonds through the presentation of folk dances like Tonyamel.”

For almost five days before the full moon day of Phalgun, folk artists walk barefeet to nearby villages in their traditional costumes and perform Tonyamel, whereby folk dancers hold a pair of bamboo sticks in their hands and thump one stick against the other, dancing vigorously while also jumping, squatting and bending their knees to the tunes of folk music created by traditional musical instruments like dhol, taso and kasale.