The Counter Wildlife Trafficking programme of WCS-India, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, conducted a one-day workshop on the topic ‘Understanding the acceptance of alternatives to Bengal Monitor Lizard skins for use in Ghumats by artisans and players of Ghumats in Goa’ on 17th, November 2023.
Over 64 participants from diverse backgrounds participated, including artisans, ghumat makers, music stalwarts, and officials from the Directorate of Art & Culture, Department of Tourism, and Goa Forest Department.
The Ghumat, made using alternative skin, is recognised as the heritage instrument of Goa, and is associated with immense cultural value and traditional knowledge. Traditionally Ghumats were made using the skin of the Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis); however, the species is protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, banning the use of its skin.
Bengal monitor lizards play a vital role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. However, their populations are threatened by the use of their body parts for various purposes, in illegal wildlife trade and hence need urgent protection.
This interactive workshop facilitated interactions and dialogue between key stakeholders on the acceptance of alternative skins for Ghumats in Goa. It featured preliminary results of the John Thorbjarnarson fellowship received by Nirmal Kulkarni for the study on this topic. The workshop also featured a panel discussion on the acceptance and differences in the sounds of Ghumat using alternative skins, musical performances by the Kunbi community of South Goa, and a Ghumat-making session using alternative skins.
The WCS-India team included Nirmal Kulkarni, Kritika Balaji, Priya Poonia, Prasad Mallick, and Debashish Sarma.
