Summary:
Keri: The Dhangar community recently celebrated its triennial folk dance ‘Pandharicha Pava’ and worship of its presiding deity ‘Mhalachi Pandhar’.Among the Dhangars of Goa, ‘Mhalachi Pandhar’ is the formless mother godess. Says Nana Babu Varak, 72, of Sonar Bhat, Latambarcem, Bicholim, “Though the dance is called ‘Chapai’ in Goa, when it is organised by invoking ‘Mhalachi Pandhar’, it is called ‘Pandharicha Pava’. Troupes from various parts of Goa and Konkan sing the Dhangar dialect.Male dancers wear white cotton cloaks called ‘Zago’ and an anklet called ‘ Vakyo’.In Dhatwada, Dodamarg, Gangaram Kharvat hosted a ‘Pandharicha Pava’ by inviting troupes from Goa and Konkan. During the festive occasion, she is invoked on a woolen carpet with rice grains and finger millets spread as per established tradition. It reflects the religious and cultural identities of pastoral communities.”.