Dhalo dance, a folk dance of Goa, is traditionally performed by the women as a mark of devotion to Mother Earth and Sylvan deity, on the moonlit night of Pausha month. Two rows of women face each other and prance forward and backward while singing the stories of their life and the contemporary society.
The week-long festivities are held during night time. After reaping the rich harvest, on the full moon day, women gather after dinner at a pre-selected village courtyard. Coconuts are offered to seek blessings of the deities. On the concluding day, women sport all sorts of fancy dresses and caricature men.
