Transcript FOLK DANCES OF KARNATAKA

FOLK DANCES OF
KARNATAKA
CS Mahostsava
KUNITHA
The ritualistic dances of Karnataka are known as
Kunitha.
 Kunitha is a general term given to ritualistic
dances of Karnataka. These are divided into
specific dance forms depending on the region it is
being performed in. E.g.. Dolla Kunitha etc.
 Among the classical dances of India, the Mysore
style of Bharatanatyam, is the oldest and most
popular dance form. It is widely performed here.
Other mainstream classical dances here include
Kuchipudi and Kathak.

FOLK DANCES OF KODAGU
(COORG)
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.
 Ummatt-aat:This is performed by the Kodava womenfolk. The
women wear the traditional Kodava dress
complete with jewellery, and 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.

DANCES OF OLD MYSORE
REGIONS

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Dollu Kunitha or Dollu Dance
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 wear the drum and beat it to different
rhythms while also dancing.
Somana Kunita
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
practiced by the Gangemata community. The dance is
characterized by the dancers wearing elaborate
masks painted in different colours which represent
deities.
DANCES OF NORTH KARNATAKA
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 Holi. Jagghalige is
essentially a percussion instrument made of a bullock
cart wheel with buffalo hides wrapped around.
 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 Shehnai is used to produce
the melody.
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DANCES OF MALENADU
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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.
Yakshagana
Yakshagana 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..
 The word Yakshagana literally means celestial
music. This dance drama is also performed
throughout the night, usually after the winter
crop has been reaped.
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Veeragasse 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.
Veeragasse is one of the dances demonstrated in
the Dasara procession held in Mysore. This dance
is performed during festivals and mainly in the
Hindu months of Shravana and Karthika.
THANK YOU
CS Mahostsava