A dance-cum-song in honor of valiant kings, Mussal-Khel-Pestel, also known as Mussol Dance, was introduced in
Goa by the
Kadambas. It is a tradition maintained by the Christian community of
Chandor in
Salcette. This dance form is usually performed on the second day of the
Goa Carnival.
Some participants brandish Mussal (pestles) symbolic of Shivling, while others carry lit torches. Initially, it is performed before the public and then it goes from door to door. One of the performers in the troupe masquerades as a bear while dancing. The core theme is the victory of Harihar, the Hindu king of Vijaynagar, over the Cholas.
