Jagar and Tiatr | Tiatr and Jagar Dance

Jagar and Tiatr | Tiatr and Jagar Dance


Tiatr and Jagar Dance - Jagar is the earliest form of drama in Goa and is supposed to be the forerunner of contemporary Marathi theatre. There are two forms performed by two different communities.

The first form is performed by "Perani Jagar" and is exclusively organized by the Hindu Perani community.

The theme tackles philosophical questions like the origin of the universe in the backdrop of mythology.


Jagar and Tiatr - The second form is known as "Gawda Jagar" is enacted by the Christian Gawda community in different villages in Goa in different styles. The theme is derived from the contemporary village life.

Tiatr is a form of entertainment unique to Goa. It primarily consists of 6 or 7 acts, each of roughly 15 minutes' duration, called Podd'dde, which are interspersed by 2 or 3 songs, solo, duo or duet, trio, quarter or group song.

The songs are disparate to the play but focuses on social, political or religious themes.


This unique blend of songs and plays makes Tiatr accepted among the masses. Tiatr and Jagar Dance is principally the two most important folk drama of Goa. Local talents and performances get recognized through these two programs and government encourages this sort of traditional folk drama.

The stories that they narrate are mostly those from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Nevertheless, with varying times, these dance dramas have remodeled themselves to include modern-day social issues as well.


Performed during the Shigmo, the Romat Dance is a thanks-giving observance. It is performed in a dance-cum-procession style by the people of northern and central Goa. It is an extremely crammed, clamorous and vibrant affair.

It is performed with huge banners, ceremonial umbrellas, festooned sticks. The procession proceeds towards a temple or to the house of the landlord to the earsplitting beats of huge drums called Dhols and Tashas.

Tiatr and Jagar performing arts - Performed by the Kshatriyas of Chandor, the Mussal Dance is performed as a celebration of Victory. It was first performed to celebrate the victory of Harihar, the Hindu King of Vijaynagar, after he defeated the Cholas in the early 14th century. The dance is so called because it is danced with Mussals (pestles). The dance constitutes 4 couplets while the main dance uses 22 couplets. Though the Kshatriyas finally converted to Christianity, yet they have preserved this cultural heritage. The Mussal dance is now performed on the second day of the carnival.

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