In this Goan village, bachelors dance before marriage

DANCE RITUAL

The Dinya Zatra is a way for the Velip community to celebrate their culture and traditions. The term Dinya derived from Dindo which means a bachelor.

FOR BACHELORS

This ritual is followed by the Velip youth prior to their marriage. The men, including boys, dress in simple comfortable clothes such as T-shirts and shorts and carry with them Dinya boddio (sticks).

HIGH DECIBEL

In the festivities, the youth can be seen dancing with well-decorated Dinya boddios (sticks) and wooden swords.

INTO THE RHYTHM

The dance ritual takes place in an open area where the young men shout slogans Xeboi Xeboi!

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE

The procession starts with the playing of dhols (drum) and tashas (tom) that contribute to the festive atmosphere.

DEEP TIES

The dance, an age-old ritual, holds deep cultural meaning within the Velip community.

COMMUNITY BONDING

Locals are unaware of how this tradition started, but even without knowing its origin, young men still actively participate, indicating the strong sense of community.

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