Ghumot now Goa's recognised instrument
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 05 April 2013 19:59 IST
Ghumot will be now recognized as Goa’s State Instrument, subject to not using the traditional skin of Monitor Lizard but replacing it with equally good rhythmic effect.
Goa’s traditional percussion instrument, used by all the religious communities, has faced a major problem since the Wild Life Protection Act does not allow mounting the skin of Monitor Lizard on it.
“We will recognize Ghumot as Goa’s State Instrument but not with the Monitor Lizard skin”, said chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
The proposal was mooted by Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte, calling it a unique symbol of bringing together all the religious communities through one traditional percussion instrument – Ghumot.
Parrikar also informed the House that the Wild Life Protection Board has prepared a synthetic skin to replace the Monitor Lizard skin.
Art and Culture minister Dayanand Mandrekar however said it does not give the unique effect of traditional Ghumot.
St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh suggested that the experiment tried by Ghumot specialist Vinayak Akhadkar to replace it with Goat skin could also be adopted.
Parrikar agreed to try both and choose the best among it.
He plans to supply the skin at subsidized rates so that new Ghumot can come in the market before Chovoth.
“But let us not go against the law”, suggested Speaker Rajendra Arlekar.
The government has also agreed to give financial assistance to the makers of Ghumot.
