Centuries-old tradition in Goa's Chandor village

Venita Gomes

MUSSOL KHEL

Mussol nach or mussol khel is one of the oldest traditional dances forms performed in the village of Chandor (former Chandrapur), South Goa.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition | Photo: Venita Gomes

THE BEGINING...

This year, it took place on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Cotta-Chandor. At the start those taking part in the dance recited prayers at the Maanddacho Furis.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition|Cross | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

WHAT IS MUSSOL?

Mussol basically means pestle. The dance involves pounding the pestle forward and backward.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition |Pestle | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

RICH TRADITION

This dance is performed by the Christian Kshatriyas who are locally called chardes. They belong to the warrior community and perform this dance form every year without fail.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition|Warriors | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

THE ATTIRE

Dancers wear a dhoti (dhontir), jacket (cullet), pagdi or turban (mundásso), and ghungroos and dance in a circular movement, holding pestles in their hands.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition|Dress | Photo: Venita Gomes

HOUSE TO HOUSE

At Cotta, these members move from house to house performing the mussol. In homes, where a family member has died, they say a prayer in memory of the soul.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition|Culture | Photo: Venita Gomes

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

You'll see diyas and candles lit outside people's homes as the mussol dancers move around the neighborhood.

Goa|Mussol Khel|Dance form| Tradition|True identity | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

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