Venita Gomes
The villagers of Siolim, North Goa, celebrated the ancient folk dance drama form, called zagor on Monday.
The word zagor refers to a night vigil which is held in order to please the 'protector' of the village.
This event takes place every year on the Monday after Christmas.
During the zagor, the villagers invoke the blessing of the 'protector' of the village, and this is followed by a drama.
It begins late at night with a torch-light procession, called the suari which is accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as ghumots and cymbals.
Villagers then stage the drama which is very much like a Goan tiatr and involves the participation of, both, Hindus and Christians of Siolim.
This happens post midnight and you can find people putting forth their act to the gathering.
The performers wear special attire, including headgear. Before the performance takes place, the candles on the headgear are lit while the devotees present on the occasion invoke the blessings of the 'protector'.