Folk arts of Karnataka
Encyclopedia
Dances of Karnataka
are one of the ancient dance forms existent in India.
Most of the tribal dances are still in effect and enhanced also due to preservation and nature loving culture of Kannadigas
.
The ritualistic dances of Karnataka are known as "Kunitha". One such dance is the Dollu Kunitha
- a popular dance form of Karnataka, accompanied by the beats of decorated drums and has singing. This dance form is mainly performed by the men of the shepherd community known as the Kuruba
community. The Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous drum beats, quick movements and synchronized group formations. .
, is the oldest and most popular dance form. It is widely performed here. Other mainstream classical dances here include Kuchipudi and Kathak.
The Kodavas are a unique martial race, different in customs, traditions and religion from the surrounding populace. This is the annual harvest dance of the Kodavas. The men, dressed in traditional Kodava costumes with the decorative knife, perform this slow moving dance to background music. This dance has different varieties:
The dance is performed to rhythmic tunes provided by wind instruments and percussion. The dance includes certain martial movements that represent some of the techniques used by the Kodavas in warfare.
This is a group dance that is named after the Dollu - the percussion instrument used in the dance. It is performed by the menfolk of the Kuruba
community of the North Karnataka area. The group consists of 16 dancers who each wear the drum and beat it to different rhythms while also dancing. The beat is controlled and directed by a leader with cymbals, positioned in the center. Slow and fast rhythms alternate and group weaves varied patterns.
The costumes are simple. The upper part of the body is usually left bare while the a black sheet-rug is tied on the lower body over the `dhooti' or sarong.
A troupe led by K. S. Haridas Bhat also toured the USSR in 1987, giving performances at Moscow
, Leningrad
, Vibrog Archangel, Pskov, Murmansk, Tashkent and Novograd.
areas. It is named after the Kamsale that is used both as an instrument and also as a prop by the dancers themselves. The kamsale comprises a cymbal in one hand and a bronze disc in the other and is used to produce a rhythmic clang.
The Kamsale nritya is closely connected to a tradition of Male Mahadeshwara, or Lord Shiva worship by the haalu kuruba
community. Most of the dancers are also drawn from this community. The dance is performed to rhythmic and melodious music that is sung in praise of Lord Male Mahadeshwara or Shiva. The dance is a part of a 'diiksha', or oath and is taught by teacher or spiritual leader.
This art-form was showcased prominently in Kannada movies like Janumada jodi
and Jogi
where the protagonist is a kamsale dancer.
Somana kunita or the 'Mask dance' is a celebratory form of spirit worship prevalent in south Karnataka region. It is performed mostly in village shrines dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The art is mostly practised by the Gangemata community. The dance is characterised by the dancers wearing elaborate masks painted in different colours. The colour of the mask is also indicative of the nature of the deity. A benevolent deity is represented by a red mask while a yellow or black mask suggests the opposite. There are many types of somas or masks, which differ from region to region.
Somana Kunitha is mainly associated with worshipping "Grama Devate" [Village Deity]. Somana Kunitha is a form of folk dance associated with rituals. Somana Kunitha is celebrated mainly after yugadi and before the onset of Monsoon
in Jaatre [celebration and worship of village deity and rituals]. It will start from Shivaratri itself. Somana Kunitha is prevalent mainly in old Mysore region in districts such as Hassan, Tumkur, Bangalore, Mandya, and Chitradurga.
On the ceremonial day, offerings of blood are made to the spirits. The masks are made of the 'Indian red tree' (Pterocarpus Santalinus Linn). The other props include a cane or stick and peacock feathers. A mini headgear containing colourful flowers, neem leaves and colourful pieces of cloth is also worn. The music is provided by the Doonu(percussion), Mouri(wind pipe) and the Sadde(a windpipe to keep the shruti). The dancer starts his dance from the temple of the Goddess and proceeds in a trance like state singing in praise of the spirit. An offering of the blood of a fowl or chicken is sometimes made to propitiate the Goddess.
. Jagghalige is essentially a percussion instrument made of a bullock cart wheel with buffalo hides wrapped around. The village folk roll out the giant instruments and march in procession. The entire performance is directed by a chief choreographer who himself uses a much smaller percussion instrument called the kanihaligi, made of clay and covered with calf hide. The performance usually involves a group of about 15 people.
is used to produce the melody.
and Bayalata
, portraying stories or incidents from the great epic Mahabharata
.
is a dance drama performed in the coastal areas of Karnataka. This unique dance form is a perfect blend of dance, music, songs, scholarly dialogues and colorful costumes. Yakshagana mesmerizes each and everyone in the audience with its enchanting music and colorful performances.
The word Yakshagana literally means celestial music. This dance drama is also performed throughout the night, usually after the winter crop has been reaped.
These artists are masters of the art of miming and their performances are extempore. No formal stage or facility is used. The artists move from place to place and pitch tents in places where they offer to perform their show.
The artists perform their own make up and dress up as various mythological, legendary or social characters. Performances also draw from daily life and sometimes even full length plays are staged. They enact amusing scenes and sing vachanas of Sarvagna, Basavanna and others.
The harmonium, the tabla-dagga and a pair of cymbals are used as the instruments to provide music and rhythm. For their performances, which they stage in village squares and fairs, they receive foodgrains as reward. This is collected in a bag by an assistant who accompanies the troupe. Most hagalu veshagaraas are of the Veerashaiva faith, while some are also Muslims. Sometimes they are addressed by the term jyaatigaararu or as belonging to the Muslim community. They are also known by other names such as suDugaaDu siddha (the monk of the cemetery) or bahuroopi(of several disguises).
As the name hagalu veshagaararu suggests, they perform mostly during the day(hagalu) and only menfolk take part in the performance. The roles of females are also performed by the menfolk. While entertainment is the main objective, the hagalu veshagararu also serve to educate the village folk of several mythological and social issues by way of their performances.
In the Mysore region, the costume consists of a black and white woolen rug, a fur cap (fur from black bear) and the Damaru
and the pillangovi(flute) are the instruments used. Sometimes a small bronze bell called paarigante is also used. The costume in the northern regions varies and the dancers wear a costume of a black woolen rug with a black coat and white dhoti.
The dance consists of trance like movements with no fixed choreography. The North Karnataka the 'Gorava' also anoints his forehead with yellow powder and gives Prasada to the devotees.
Performances are usually by a group of 10 or 11.
that is balanced on the carrier's head. The contents of the pot have remained a secret down the centuries. The carrier's arrival is heralded by hundreds of bare-chested, dhoti-clad, turbaned Veerakumaras bearing unsheathed swords. Tradition has it that this frenzied procession of Veerakumaras accompanying the karaga carrier can execute him should he stumble and let the karaga fall. This is performed by Tigala
community people.
prevalent in the state of Karnataka
, India
. Dancers adorn themselves with giant doll-suits made of bamboo
sticks. The term Gaarudi-Gombe means magical-doll in the native language, Kannada. This dance is performed during major festivals and also in the procession held during the festivities of Mysore Dasara
. This dance is also known as Tattiraya in the coastal districts of Karnataka
. The term Tattiraya means a person carrying a doll made of bamboo sticks.
, India
. Togalu Gombeyaata translates to a play of leather dolls in the native language of Kannada. It is a form of shadow puppetry. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat has undertaken research on this art and has a good collection of leather puppets.
Veeragase is a dance form prevalent in the state of Karnataka
, India
. It is a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology
and involves very intense energy-sapping dance movements. Veeragase is one of the dances demonstrated in the Dasara
procession held in Mysore. This dance is performed during festivals and mainly in the Hindu month
s of Shravana and Karthika.
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
are one of the ancient dance forms existent in India.
Most of the tribal dances are still in effect and enhanced also due to preservation and nature loving culture of Kannadigas
Kannadigas
Kannadiga , or Kannadati is a reference to the people who natively speak the Kannada language. Kannadigas are mainly located in the state of Karnataka in India and in the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra...
.
Kunitha - A ritual dance
Dollu Kunitha
Dollu Kunitha , is a major form of art, occupies the pride of place among folk dances. Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka accompanied by singing. It provides both spectacular variety and complexity of skills in the process of demonstration...
- a popular dance form of Karnataka, accompanied by the beats of decorated drums and has singing. This dance form is mainly performed by the men of the shepherd community known as the Kuruba
Kuruba
Kuruba / Kuruba Gowda or Kuruma is a caste of Hindus who mainly were shepherds in the past. The community is present in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They are known as Dhangars in Maharashtra, Kurumba / Kurumans / Kurumbar in Tamil Nadu, Kuruba Gowda or Halumatha Gowda in...
community. The Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous drum beats, quick movements and synchronized group formations. .
Classical dances
Among the classical dances of India, the Mysore style of BharatanatyamBharatanatyam
Bharata Natyam or Chadhir Attam, is a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music...
, is the oldest and most popular dance form. It is widely performed here. Other mainstream classical dances here include Kuchipudi and Kathak.
Folk arts of Kodagu
"Huttari Dance" and "Bolak-aat" are dance forms of Kodagu.The Kodavas are a unique martial race, different in customs, traditions and religion from the surrounding populace. This is the annual harvest dance of the Kodavas. The men, dressed in traditional Kodava costumes with the decorative knife, perform this slow moving dance to background music. This dance has different varieties:
Bolak-aat
This is performed by the Kodava men in front of an oil lamp in an open field. The men hold the chavari(Yak fur) in one hand and the Kodava short sword "Odi-kathi" in the other while performing this dance. Many regional variations of this dance exist. Sometimes performers dance only with the chavari without the use of the short sword. When the "Odi-kathi" is also used, it is called kattiyaata. The dudi, an hourglass shaped drum is used to provide the rhythm for the dance.Ummatt-aat
This is performed by the Kodava womenfolk. The women wear the traditional Kodava dress complete with jewelry, adorn the forehead with kumkuma and in a swinging rhythm, dance in a circle, brass cymbals in hand. One woman stands at the center holding a pot full of water to represent Kaveri taayi or Mother Kaveri, which the Kodavas worship as their prime deity.Komb-aat
While the Bolaak-aat and the Ummattat are of a celebratory and festive nature, the Kombat is a dance performed with religious sentiments. It is traditionally performed in temple premises, but, in recent years, it is also performed in other places. This is a dance performed by the Kodava men and deer horns are used as a prop, representing the horns of the Krishnamruga, a spotted deer in Kodava legend.The dance is performed to rhythmic tunes provided by wind instruments and percussion. The dance includes certain martial movements that represent some of the techniques used by the Kodavas in warfare.
Dollu Kunitha or Dollu Dance
Kuruba
Kuruba / Kuruba Gowda or Kuruma is a caste of Hindus who mainly were shepherds in the past. The community is present in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They are known as Dhangars in Maharashtra, Kurumba / Kurumans / Kurumbar in Tamil Nadu, Kuruba Gowda or Halumatha Gowda in...
community of the North Karnataka area. The group consists of 16 dancers who each wear the drum and beat it to different rhythms while also dancing. The beat is controlled and directed by a leader with cymbals, positioned in the center. Slow and fast rhythms alternate and group weaves varied patterns.
The costumes are simple. The upper part of the body is usually left bare while the a black sheet-rug is tied on the lower body over the `dhooti' or sarong.
A troupe led by K. S. Haridas Bhat also toured the USSR in 1987, giving performances at Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, Leningrad
Leningrad
Leningrad is the former name of Saint Petersburg, Russia.Leningrad may also refer to:- Places :* Leningrad Oblast, a federal subject of Russia, around Saint Petersburg* Leningrad, Tajikistan, capital of Muminobod district in Khatlon Province...
, Vibrog Archangel, Pskov, Murmansk, Tashkent and Novograd.
Beesu kamsaLe or kamsaLe nritya(dance)
This is a group dance form performed by the menfolk in villages in the Mysore, Nanjanagudu, Kollegala and BangaloreBangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
areas. It is named after the Kamsale that is used both as an instrument and also as a prop by the dancers themselves. The kamsale comprises a cymbal in one hand and a bronze disc in the other and is used to produce a rhythmic clang.
The Kamsale nritya is closely connected to a tradition of Male Mahadeshwara, or Lord Shiva worship by the haalu kuruba
Kuruba
Kuruba / Kuruba Gowda or Kuruma is a caste of Hindus who mainly were shepherds in the past. The community is present in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They are known as Dhangars in Maharashtra, Kurumba / Kurumans / Kurumbar in Tamil Nadu, Kuruba Gowda or Halumatha Gowda in...
community. Most of the dancers are also drawn from this community. The dance is performed to rhythmic and melodious music that is sung in praise of Lord Male Mahadeshwara or Shiva. The dance is a part of a 'diiksha', or oath and is taught by teacher or spiritual leader.
This art-form was showcased prominently in Kannada movies like Janumada jodi
Janumada Jodi
Janumada Jodi is a 1996 Indian Kannada movie directed by National Award winning director T.S. Nagabharana, which stars Shivarajkumar and Shilpa. The story deals with the caste system. The music of the movie was a superhit at the time it got released and movie also went on to become a huge hit...
and Jogi
Jogi
Jogi is a 2005 Kannada film with Shivrajkumar and Jennifer Kotwal in the lead roles; it was directed by Prem, who had previously directed Kariya. Jogi was released on 19 August 2005. Record box office collection was reported across Karnataka and the movie completed 100 days in more than 50 theaters...
where the protagonist is a kamsale dancer.
Somana Kunita
Somana Kunitha is mainly associated with worshipping "Grama Devate" [Village Deity]. Somana Kunitha is a form of folk dance associated with rituals. Somana Kunitha is celebrated mainly after yugadi and before the onset of Monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
in Jaatre [celebration and worship of village deity and rituals]. It will start from Shivaratri itself. Somana Kunitha is prevalent mainly in old Mysore region in districts such as Hassan, Tumkur, Bangalore, Mandya, and Chitradurga.
On the ceremonial day, offerings of blood are made to the spirits. The masks are made of the 'Indian red tree' (Pterocarpus Santalinus Linn). The other props include a cane or stick and peacock feathers. A mini headgear containing colourful flowers, neem leaves and colourful pieces of cloth is also worn. The music is provided by the Doonu(percussion), Mouri(wind pipe) and the Sadde(a windpipe to keep the shruti). The dancer starts his dance from the temple of the Goddess and proceeds in a trance like state singing in praise of the spirit. An offering of the blood of a fowl or chicken is sometimes made to propitiate the Goddess.
Jaggahalige Kunita
This is a folk art of the Hubballi Dharwad region, particularly of the 'Byahatti' village. It is performed on occasions such as Yugadi and HoliHoli
Holi , is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. Holi is also known as festival of Colours. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United...
. Jagghalige is essentially a percussion instrument made of a bullock cart wheel with buffalo hides wrapped around. The village folk roll out the giant instruments and march in procession. The entire performance is directed by a chief choreographer who himself uses a much smaller percussion instrument called the kanihaligi, made of clay and covered with calf hide. The performance usually involves a group of about 15 people.
Karadimajal
This is a popular folk orchestra of the north Karnataka region. It is performed during various auspicious occasions and in processions. The Karadi or Karade is the percussion instrument that is used in the orchestra. It is a palm sized cymbal that produces metallic sounds, while the ShehnaiShehnai
The shehnai, shahnai, shenai or mangal vadya, is an aerophonic instrument, a double reed conical oboe, common in North India, West India and Pakistan, made out of wood, with a metal flare bell at the end...
is used to produce the melody.
Krishna Parijatha
Krishna Parijatha is a popular folk theater art form of North Karnataka. It is an amalgamation of YakshaganaYakshagana
Yakshagana is a musical theater popular in the coastal and Malenadu regions of Karnataka, India. Yakshagana is the recent scholastic name for what are known as kēḷike, āṭa, bayalāṭa, bayalāṭa, daśāvatāra . It is believed to have evolved from pre-classical music and theatre during Bhakti movement...
and Bayalata
Bayalatada
Bayalāṭa or Bayalāṭada is a form of Yakshagana found in southern Indian region of Karnataka featuring stories of from Indian epic poetry and the Puranas rendered as dance and drama. Bayalāṭa literally means open theater drama and marks the end of harvest season...
, portraying stories or incidents from the great epic Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
.
Gondaligara Ata (Narrative performing art of North Karnataka)
Somana Kunita is a distinctive dance characterized by excellent rythmatic steps to the beats of Are Vadya and Donu with Mauri. Somana Kunita is prevalent in districts of Hassan, Tumkur and Bangalore, and also in Chikkamagalur and Mandya. Though Somas are identified as 'Angarakshakas' of Grama Devathe' [lieutinants of Village deities], clear-cut distinctions are difficult as in some situations, while performing ritual dance and rituals, it goes as representative of village deities. Soma literally means Chandra [Moon].Bhootha Aradhane
This dance form is widely performed in the coastal areas of Karnataka. The Bhootha Aradhane or Holy Spirit (Shiva Gana's) worship, includes a procession of idols depicting 'bhoothas". This procession is characterized by the beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers. After the end of the procession, the idols are placed on a plinth. Then, a dancer personifying a Bhoota (Holy Spirit) dances around the plinth with sword and jingling bells. The dancer dances vigorously at one point of time and then slows down, signifying that he is now a divine person.Yakshagana
YakshaganaYakshagana
Yakshagana is a musical theater popular in the coastal and Malenadu regions of Karnataka, India. Yakshagana is the recent scholastic name for what are known as kēḷike, āṭa, bayalāṭa, bayalāṭa, daśāvatāra . It is believed to have evolved from pre-classical music and theatre during Bhakti movement...
is a dance drama performed in the coastal areas of Karnataka. This unique dance form is a perfect blend of dance, music, songs, scholarly dialogues and colorful costumes. Yakshagana mesmerizes each and everyone in the audience with its enchanting music and colorful performances.
The word Yakshagana literally means celestial music. This dance drama is also performed throughout the night, usually after the winter crop has been reaped.
Hagalu Veeshagaararu (Day Actor's)
Hagalu veshagaararu are a group of itinerant actors of Karntaka. Some populations of these artists are native to Andhra Pradesh also.These artists are masters of the art of miming and their performances are extempore. No formal stage or facility is used. The artists move from place to place and pitch tents in places where they offer to perform their show.
The artists perform their own make up and dress up as various mythological, legendary or social characters. Performances also draw from daily life and sometimes even full length plays are staged. They enact amusing scenes and sing vachanas of Sarvagna, Basavanna and others.
The harmonium, the tabla-dagga and a pair of cymbals are used as the instruments to provide music and rhythm. For their performances, which they stage in village squares and fairs, they receive foodgrains as reward. This is collected in a bag by an assistant who accompanies the troupe. Most hagalu veshagaraas are of the Veerashaiva faith, while some are also Muslims. Sometimes they are addressed by the term jyaatigaararu or as belonging to the Muslim community. They are also known by other names such as suDugaaDu siddha (the monk of the cemetery) or bahuroopi(of several disguises).
As the name hagalu veshagaararu suggests, they perform mostly during the day(hagalu) and only menfolk take part in the performance. The roles of females are also performed by the menfolk. While entertainment is the main objective, the hagalu veshagararu also serve to educate the village folk of several mythological and social issues by way of their performances.
Gorava Dance (Goravara kunita)
This is a folk dance of Goravas or the Shiva cult that is popular in both Mysore and North Karnataka regions. While in North Karnataka, the Goravas worship Mylara linga as their deity, in Mysore region, they worship Mudukutore mallikarjuna. they hail from the Halumatha Kuruba Gowda community.In the Mysore region, the costume consists of a black and white woolen rug, a fur cap (fur from black bear) and the Damaru
Damaru
A damaru or damru is a small two-headed drum shaped like an hourglass. The drum is typically made of wood, with leather drum heads at both ends; the damaru might also be made entirely out of human skulls...
and the pillangovi(flute) are the instruments used. Sometimes a small bronze bell called paarigante is also used. The costume in the northern regions varies and the dancers wear a costume of a black woolen rug with a black coat and white dhoti.
The dance consists of trance like movements with no fixed choreography. The North Karnataka the 'Gorava' also anoints his forehead with yellow powder and gives Prasada to the devotees.
Performances are usually by a group of 10 or 11.
Nagamandala
This ritualistic dance form is performed by the people of south Karnataka. It is done to tranquilize the serpent spirit and is an extravagant affair held throughout the night. The dancers called the Vaidyas are dressed as nagakannika. They dance all night long around a huge figure, drawn on the sacred ground with natural colors, in a pandal specially erected in front of the shrine. This ritualistic dance is generally performed between December to April.Karaga
The karaga itself is a metal pot, on which stands a tall floral pyramidPyramid
A pyramid is a structure whose outer surfaces are triangular and converge at a single point. The base of a pyramid can be trilateral, quadrilateral, or any polygon shape, meaning that a pyramid has at least three triangular surfaces...
that is balanced on the carrier's head. The contents of the pot have remained a secret down the centuries. The carrier's arrival is heralded by hundreds of bare-chested, dhoti-clad, turbaned Veerakumaras bearing unsheathed swords. Tradition has it that this frenzied procession of Veerakumaras accompanying the karaga carrier can execute him should he stumble and let the karaga fall. This is performed by Tigala
Tigala
Thigalas, also known as Thigalaru it is a relatively new name of an endogamous social group or caste of people native to southern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and border regions of Tamil Nadu...
community people.
Bangalore Karaga
The Karaga route begins at the Dharmarayaswamy temple and snakes through the Old City via Cubbonpet, Ganigarapet, Avenue Road, Dodderpet, Akkipet, Balepet, Kilari Road, Nagarathpet and surrounding areas. The karaga carrier, now in his temporary avatar as Draupadi, goes to the houses of the Veerakumaras where their families perform pooja to the karaga. By the time the procession returns to the temple it is dawnGaarudi Gombe
Gaarudi Gombe is manju a folk danceFolk dance
The term folk dance describes dances that share some or all of the following attributes:*They are dances performed at social functions by people with little or no professional training, often to traditional music or music based on traditional music....
prevalent in the state of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Dancers adorn themselves with giant doll-suits made of bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
sticks. The term Gaarudi-Gombe means magical-doll in the native language, Kannada. This dance is performed during major festivals and also in the procession held during the festivities of Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is the Nadahabba of the state of Karnataka. It is also called Navaratri and is a 10-day festival with the last day being Vijayadashami, the most auspicious day of Dasara. Dasara usually falls in the month of September or October...
. This dance is also known as Tattiraya in the coastal districts of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. The term Tattiraya means a person carrying a doll made of bamboo sticks.
Joodu Haligi
The Joodu Haligi is essentially a performance using two percussion instruments. The Haligi is circular in shape and is made of buffalo hide. The artists use a short stick to produce rhythms of exceptional energy and power. This is also accompanied by rhythmic movements and exaggerated expressions in sync with the high energy rhythms produced. Usually 2-3 artists are involved in the performance.Puppetry - String Puppets Play Of North Karnataka
Togalu Gombeyaata is a puppet show unique to the state of KarnatakaKarnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Togalu Gombeyaata translates to a play of leather dolls in the native language of Kannada. It is a form of shadow puppetry. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat has undertaken research on this art and has a good collection of leather puppets.
Veeragaase dance
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It is a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology
Hindu mythology
Hindu religious literature is the large body of traditional narratives related to Hinduism, notably as contained in Sanskrit literature, such as the Sanskrit epics and the Puranas. As such, it is a subset of Nepali and Indian culture...
and involves very intense energy-sapping dance movements. Veeragase is one of the dances demonstrated in the Dasara
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is the Nadahabba of the state of Karnataka. It is also called Navaratri and is a 10-day festival with the last day being Vijayadashami, the most auspicious day of Dasara. Dasara usually falls in the month of September or October...
procession held in Mysore. This dance is performed during festivals and mainly in the Hindu month
Hindu calendar
The hindu calendar used in ancient times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization, and today there are several regional Indian calendars, as well as an Indian national calendar. Nepali calendar, Bengali calendar, Malayalam calendar, Tamil calendar, Telugu calendar, Kannada...
s of Shravana and Karthika.