| Occupational Songs Amon
The Goan fisherman have their own folk-songs which they sing at
the time of the Sangodd (two boats being tied together). The most famous
of these performances being at Calangute, at the time of their first trips
to the sea after the resumption of the fishing seasons after monsoons.
The toddy-tappers who are the largest group among the
Sudir group of castes in Chandor, have their own charming songs called
Rendrachim Geetam (songs of toddy tappers), which are equally fully of
native verve. Other occupational songs are the Mitta-geet of salt pan
workers and the Ghanno of the oil-mill crushers.
The general run of workers/labourers have another type
of song sung at random at siesta time or may be during recreational hours,
to the accompaniment of ghumatt and Kansallim (cymbals) which are known
as tandnni which is derived from 'tan' (thirst). Such songs arise from
the native soil have the freshness and smell of it.
Konkani songs of Goa are found in an infinite variety.
For the song has been the mainstay of the Goan in his hour of joy and
sorrow, even in the expressions of protest against injustice and oppression
even when he was confronted with the threat of extermination.
The cradle songs in Goa are known as Painno or Halloio.
Though they are very few in number, they are fine expressions of lilting
tunes, the best of the existing ones being Painnem Halounk (to rock the
cradle) and Dol re Baba (Rock, baby).
There are songs for various ceremonies connected with
weddings. After the engagement is over, Goan Christians and Hindus follow
more or less similar customs in their weddings. The songs that accompany
the different stages and ceremonies of the wedding ritual are called Zoti.
Another lilting traditional song, sings of the cowherds
and milkmaids who used to come down from the Ghats in search of plenty,
in Goa and the regions around it. The song is sung alternately by choruses
of two groups, boys and girls.
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