Fugdi is a folk dance performed by the women in the Konkan region. It is performed during social and religious occasions. Fugdi is an art form that can be traced to the primeval cultural traditions of
Goa. Fugdi is generally performed during the month of
Bhadrapada, an occasion for the women to take a temporary break from their normal, monotonous schedule. The women sing and dance while enacting varied formations. The dance starts with invocation to Hindu Gods. The pace is slow in the beginning, but soon attains a fast pace, reaching climax. No percussion support is provided. At the maximum pace, the dancers match the rhythm by blowing air through the mouth that sounds like "FOO". Hence the name Foogdi or Fugdi.
Girki, Cycle, Rahat, Zimma, Karvar, Bus Fugdi, Kombda, Ghuma, and Pakhwa are among the popular sub-forms. Kalashi Fugdi began as a means to break the monotony of the routine of fetching water from long distances. The women would dance their way out to the water-holes while blowing into the empty pitchers. Katti Fugdi is another popular form, performed with coconut shells in their hands.
