21/12/2023
COMMUNICATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS THROUGH FOLK SONG AND DANCE
Divli folk dance of Goa and Qawwali were performed to communicate the message of Christmas at Sadbhav Christmas - a Christmas celebration with people from different Faith communities, organised by the Society of Pilar, an indigenous congregation. It was held on 16 December at Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Pilar, situated some 10 km east of Panaji, the capital of Goa state.
Eight elegant women dancers held lighted brass lamps on the top of their head and moved gracefully producing elegant gestures. One such movement was of a dancer holding an infant depicting Mary with the new born child Jesus and the rest of the dancers encircling Mary in ethereal motions. This scene was the most blissful to behold as Mary rose and sat amidst the encircling glow of the lamps. The scene can be seen as depicting Jesus as the light to the world. As the musicians played the traditional instruments, the singer sang
“Pailem Naman Yeshuchea paiam kadde, sakshat yeshu pragatla” (Bowing at the feet of Jesus, He is made known in person). “To my knowledge, this could be a first instance in Goa, wherein the lamp folk dance is used to meaningfully communicate the Christmas message in the context of the local culture” said Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav. The Lamp dance was performed by Mosamkar Kulaswamini Kala Sangh, Anjunem Morlem Colony, located in Sattari Goa, 34 kms north east of Panaji. The dance group awed the audience with their breath-taking performance.
This was followed by a Qawwali performed by Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre, from Sonshi, Honda, 31 kms north east of Panaji. The lyrics of the Qawwali were on the theme of peace, titled ‘Shanti ka doot’. The singers sang about Jesus as the messenger of peace bringing new life and joy to all people. Qawwali is a form of devotional singing closely tied to Sufism. It aims to lead listeners to a spiritual union with God.
At the outset of the programme, Bhagyashree Chari, a young classical dancer, performed a devotional dance in Kathak style, on the hymn ‘Vachan Tumhare’, leading the gathering into moments of God experience.
Dr. Sneha Gitte IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa was the chief guest for the function. She said that “Christmas has a very special place in my heart. I am so glad to be a part of Sadbhav Christmas, which celebrates Christmas in its true spirit – the spirit of joy, love, peace and promoting goodwill”. Dr. Gitte acknowledged that this celebration has brought together people from different communities to celebrate the true spirit of peace and harmony. She exhorted everyone to work together to promote communal harmony.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, the Director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, In his welcome address said that “Christmas evokes in us the profound feelings of peace, brotherhood, joy, love and reveals God’s purpose of coming into this world”.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Steevan D’Souza, the Vicar General of the Society of Pilar, said that “Christmas is a celebration of the Divine becoming human and living amidst us and within us”. He further said that “the Indian greeting, Namaskar, which means, the divine in me greets the divine in you, encapsulates the meaning of Christmas. Therefore, when we respect and honour each other and live in harmony, we live the Christmas message”.
Invited to speak on behalf of all the communities, Nazrana Banu Shaikh, Asst. Prof. Carmel College, Nuvem, Goa, shared her thoughts on the theme of ‘peace’. She said “every religion offers unique perspectives on the profound significance of peace”. Quoting the words of Jesus, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God’, she said that “peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of harmony and righteousness”.
As part of the celebration Christmas Carols were played on the Harp by Daniel Dias, a talented Harpist from Mumbai. The members of the Pilar Music School sang carols under the direction of Fr. Myron Sequeira, the director of Pilar Music Academy.
Sadbhav Christmas is an activity of 'Sadbhav', an initiative of the Society of Pilar to foster interfaith relations and communal harmony.
Divli folk dance of Goa and Qawwali were performed to communicate the message of Christmas at Sadbhav Christmas – a Christmas celebration with people from di...
