What is the Dhillo festival celebrated by Velip women in Goa?

The Dhillo festival is a centuries-old celebration observed by the Velip tribal women in Goa, where they depict their agrarian life, cultural heritage, and community spirit through dance and song.

How long does the Dhillo festival last for the Velip women?

While the festival used to last for almost 21 nights in the past, it is now celebrated for about a week in many places.

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Goan Tribal Women Revive Centuries-Old Dhillo Harvest Festival

Q: Where do the Velip women perform the Dhillo festival?

The Velip women from villages in Canacona, Quepem, and Sanguem, as well as from border areas of Joida taluka in Karnataka, continue to uphold this age-old tradition each year, gathering at the sacred space locally known as the maand to perform the folk dance and recite folk songs.

21 Oct

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Summary

Velip women celebrate Dhillo festival for 21 nights, now 1 week
Festival depicts agrarian life, cultural heritage, and community spirit
Married and unmarried women perform folk dances and songs

Goan Tribal Women Revive Centuries-Old Dhillo Harvest Festival

The Velip tribal women of Goa have been celebrating the vibrant Dhillo festival for centuries, but the celebration has evolved over time. While the festival used to last for almost 21 nights, it is now observed for about a week in many places. Through dance and songs, the Velip women depict various aspects of their agrarian life, cultural heritage, and community spirit, beginning from Dussehra and continuing till Bali Pratipada during Diwali.

The Velips, who are one of the scheduled tribes of Goa, were traditionally forest dwellers who practiced slash-and-burn agriculture. Both married and unmarried Velip women would joyfully perform the Dhillo festival, usually near sacred groves or forested areas. Today, Velip women from villages in Canacona, Quepem, and Sanguem, as well as from border areas of Joida taluka in Karnataka, continue to uphold this age-old tradition each year.