Answer: Dashavatara is a traditional folk theatre of the Konkan and Goa.
- Its stories are based on the ten incarnations (avatars) of Lord Vishnu and on episodes from the Puranas.
- It is usually performed during village temple festivals (jatras) after the harvest season and goes on through the night.
- The performance begins with the worship of Ganapati, followed by the entry of characters such as Riddhi-Siddhi and Saraswati, and then the main story (akhyan).
- There is no written script; the actors improvise the dialogues on the spot.
- All roles, including those of women, are traditionally played by men, with bright costumes, make-up and simple stage settings.
- It is an important part of the folk culture of the region and must be preserved.
