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Aati kalenja



 
 
Aati Kalenja is a traditional dance form practiced in Tulunadu, India
India

India, officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and outlying territories by total area country by geographical area, the List of countries by population country, and the most populous liberal democracy in the world....
. It is a traditional dance ritual which is typically practiced during the monsoon months of July and August.

As part of the ritual, a person dresses up in the form of a Bhuta
Bhuta

Bhuta is a Sanskrit word that has several meanings:* true, matter of fact, reality, existing, present, being or being like anything, consisting of, mixed or joined with...
 or spirit, known as Kalenja. Then, the Bhuta and his assistant, a drummer, go around the village and dance in front of homes. The householders reward them with rice, coconuts, etc.

It is believed that honoring the Kalenja in this manner will rid the village of all evil spirits.






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Aati Kalenja is a traditional dance form practiced in Tulunadu, India
India

India, officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and outlying territories by total area country by geographical area, the List of countries by population country, and the most populous liberal democracy in the world....
. It is a traditional dance ritual which is typically practiced during the monsoon months of July and August.

As part of the ritual, a person dresses up in the form of a Bhuta
Bhuta

Bhuta is a Sanskrit word that has several meanings:* true, matter of fact, reality, existing, present, being or being like anything, consisting of, mixed or joined with...
 or spirit, known as Kalenja. Then, the Bhuta and his assistant, a drummer, go around the village and dance in front of homes. The householders reward them with rice, coconuts, etc.

It is believed that honoring the Kalenja in this manner will rid the village of all evil spirits. Kalenja is believed to be the protector of the village(s) from evil spirits. Hence the impersonator of Kalenja is welcomed by the villagers during the rainy season. The persons adorning the role of Kalenja are typically from a community called Nalike. The costume of Kalenja consists of coconut leaves, colorful dresses and a cap made of areca spate.

Aati Kalenja is a dying art form and is practiced only in certain pockets of Tulunadu these days.

See also


  • Bhuta Kola
    Bhuta Kola

    Bhuta Kola or Holy Spirit Worship is an ancient form of worship prevalent among the Tulu-speaking community in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada districts in Karnataka and Kasargod district in Kerala....
  • Yakshagana
    Yakshagana

    Yakshagana is a dance drama popular in the state of Karnataka. It is believed to have evolved from pre classical music form and theatrical arts ....