In India, Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage comprising various classical arts like Bharatanatyam, “Yakshagana” and vibrant festivals such as “Hampi Utsav” and “Dasara”, reflecting their cultural and artistic traditions. Traditional dances played a vital role in Karnataka’s art forms by conserving its traditions, culture, and history and functioning as a space for cultural expression.
What is Karnataka’s Traditional Dance?
Traditional dances have a dominant space in the state’s cultural heritage of Karnataka. It involves both classical and folk styles. “Bharatanatyam” and “Yakshagana” are some of the notable traditional dance forms. In addition to this, “Dollu Kunitha”, “Veeragase”, and “Yakshagana” have great historical and cultural importance and are deeply influenced by religions, classical arts, and folklore because some of them are rooted in religions.
10 Popular Karnataka Traditional Dances and Their Features
Yakshagana
The word “Yakshagana” or “Bayalata” means “song of celestial beings” is a traditional dance form of Karnataka, originated from the Bhakti movement in the 15th century with a combination of music, drama, and dance.
It is performed in the coastal district of Karnataka which represents the mythological tale. Yakshagana is performed in the night by men, now women’s also participated in it. Costumes like massive headgear and vibrant facial makeup are needed to perform this art.
The performance is mainly focus on the ancient Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. “Chande” (drums), “Maddale”, Harmonium, and flute are the instruments used to perform Yakshagana.
Dollu Kunitha
“Dollu Kunitha”, a popular folk dance associated with Lord Shiva, originated in the Kuruba Gowda community of North Karnataka. It is performed by men with traditional dress on high-level energy during major celebrations.
Dollu Kunitha is performed in semi-circular formation. In this dance, Cymbals and flute are the instruments used for signing. The dance shows a blend of slow and fast rhythm. “Dollu” (large drums) is the main instrument used to perform the art. Dollu Kunitha is otherwise called “Drum Dance of Karnataka.” Other instruments like “tala”, “tappadi”, “trumpets”, and “gong” are also used to perform Dollu Kunitha.
Veeragase
“Veeragase” is a traditional dance form of Karnataka performed during religious occasions and festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Veeragase, a vigorous dance performed on the basis of Hindu mythology. The dance shows the heroism and valour of Veerabhadra at the time of Dakshayagna.
Veeragase dance is performed during the month of Shravana and Kartika. Old Mysuru region is known for this dance. Traditional instruments like “Cymbals”, “Shehnai”, “Karadi”, and “Chamala” are used to perform Veeragase.
Kamsale
Kamsale is a popular folk dance and martial arts performed by men from the Halu Kuruba community. Kamsale dance is rooted in the religious tradition. In this, dancers wear traditional costumes and perform the dance in groups as a form of devotion to the lord. It involves rhythmical movements using brass cymbals (Kamsale).
Kamsale is associated with Male Mahadeshwara worship. Through the songs and dances, it addresses the problems of people and blesses the community. Some Kannada films like “Janumadha Jodi” and “jogi” shows Kamsale dance.
Goravara Kunitha
“Goravara Kunitha”, or “Goravara Kuntha” Karnataka’s traditional dance form, is performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva particularly the Kuruba. It is rooted in the Kuruba community and performed by wearing woolen costumes and masks and includes a tribal influence with energetic steps.
Goravara Kunitha is a religious dance and performed through expressing their connection to divine and their ancestors. The dance includes rhythmic beats, chants of devotion to lord and vibrant costumes.
Suggi Kunitha
A traditional folk dance performed by farmers particularly the “Halakki Vokkaliga” community with colourful attire during the harvest season. The word Suggi Kunitha means “Harvest Dance” and the song narrates folk tales and rural traditions of this.
Suggi Kunitha dance is a reminder of their ancient traditions and cultural practices. The belief of this dance is to eradicate diseases, brings rain, and blesses the people.
Bhootha Aradhane
“Bhootha Aradhane” or “Bhoota Kola” is a ritualistic dance associated with ancestor worship. It is particularly performed in the Tulu-speaking regions of Karnataka. It is believed that through Bhootha Aradhane, deities protects the people disasters.
The word Bhootha means “deity” and Kola means “performance”. It encompasses a fusion of dance, storytelling, and music; it is performed during the time of Bhootha Kola rituals. Bootha Aradhane is mainly performed to thank the local deity and for the prosperity of the people. Bhoota Kola is associated with “Theyyam”, both are ritualistic art form shared some common similarities like attire, dance movement etc…which shows their spiritual and cultural connection. Theyyam is commonly practiced in the North Malabar region of Kerala and Bhoota Kola is popular in the Tulunadu region of Karnataka.
Nandikolu Kunitha
“Nandikolu Kunitha” is a religious folk dance dedicated to Lord Nandi. It is performed by men form the “Kuruba Gowda” caste. In Nandikolu Kunitha, Dancers wear kavi-coloured dhotis, rudrakshamala, and turbans etc…During the rituals and celebrations, dancers balance long wooden poles on their heads.
It symbolizes strength and devotion. Nandikolu Kunitha is more popular in the old Mysore regions and it is otherwise known as “Birade Kamba”, and “Vyaasa Golu.”
Pata Kunitha
Pata Kunitha is a ritualistic folk dance popular in rural Karnataka, performed by men with wooden poles to celebrate local deities and festivals. Pata Kunitha means the dance of the patas. It is believed that Pata Kunitha is originated from the Vaishavite rites.
It is performed by wearing red dhotis, and garlands. Pata Kunitha is popular in the Mysore region. The dance played a vital role in the Kunitha traditions of Karnataka.
Lavani Dance
“Lavani Dance” is performed during social gatherings is a mix of storytelling and rhythm, It originated in Maharashtra, but it is popular in North Karnataka. The word “Lavani” means “Beauty.”
Lavani Dance is performed by women wearing vibrant nauvari sarees with high energy. It is believed that Lavani dance is performed for addressing social issues, and devotion.
Comparison of Karnataka Traditional Dance vs. Other Indian Folk Dance
Karnataka is well known for its art forms like “Yakshagana and Veeragase.” Yakshagana combines music, dance, and dialogue with garnished costumes, and Veeragase incorporates cultural heritage and traditional artistry.
Delhi and Maharashtra is another famous spot for folk dances in India. Delhi is known for “Kathak and Bhangra.” Kathak is popular for its graceful hand movements and facial expressions, and Bhangra is an energetic folk dance. Maharashtra is popular for its arts, such as Lavani and Dindi.
Lavani is a sensual folk dance with rhythmic music and expressive movements. Dindi is a religious dance performed during festivals.
The uniqueness of the Karnataka dance form encompasses detailed dance-drama Yakshagana, the folk dance of Bedara Vesha, and robust Veeragase dance, each has its importance and features.
The Role of Karnataka’s Dance in Festivals and Rituals
Various art forms played a key role in the festivals and rituals of Karnataka. The major dance forms like “Beesu Kamsale”, “Dollu Kunitha,” and “Yakshagana” act as the reflection of cultural heritage, and faith among the community.
These dances are performed during the celebrations and rituals. Some of them are performed for the dedication of Gods like Lord Shiva. It is believed that these art forms protect and bliss the community.
Preservation and Promotion of Karnataka’s Traditional Dances
Various organizations and schemes were set up by the Government to preserve and promote the traditions, folk arts, and music of Karnataka.
1. Karnataka Janapada Parishath: Established to promote and preserve Karnataka’s folk arts, music, and traditions.
2. Karnataka Folk Museum: Serves as an institution for preserving and promoting rural folk culture of Karnataka.
3. Preservation of Heritage: Veeragase has a dominant place in preserving and safeguarding the cultural heritage of Karnataka.
Karnataka Folk Dance in Modern Media
The vibrant folk dance of Karnataka received major attention among the modern media. It shows their cultural richness and is welcomed by people through various platforms. Art forms like Yakshagana played a significant role in preserving its folklore.
Yakshagana performances are widely shared on social media like Facebook and YouTube. Other art formslike Bhootha Aradhane, Kinitha etc.…received great attention from the media, and these are used in films and various television programs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the famous dance forms of Karnataka?
Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Goravara Kunitha, Nagamandala, etc.…are the famous and prominent dance forms of Karnataka.
How is “Yakshagana” different from “Kathakali”?
Yakshagana is originated in Karnataka and is a traditional dance drama. Kathakali is from Kerala, a classical dance drama, but both share some similarities in the use of music, storytelling, and music.
Which is the folk music of Karnataka?
Folk songs played a key role in Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Janapada Geetha and Karadi Majalu are the prominent folk songs of Karnataka performed during festivals and occasions. Haridasas, a group of musicians and poets made significant contribution to folk music.
What is the folk festival of Karnataka?
Karaga a prominent folk festival dedicated to God Draupadi. It is an 11-day celebration and a symbol of community devotion to Draupadi and their cultural heritage.
Is “Kuchipudi” a dance form of Karnataka?
No. Kuchipudi is originated from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a dance-drama performance rooted in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra.
Conclusion
Traditional dances have great significance in Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. These art forms played a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity and encouraging the tourism sectors to grab the traditional history of Karnataka and support the folk artists. Hidden Mantra is the perfect space to expand your knowledge about various contents.
