Folk Dances of Karnataka

With an age old tradition of music and dance closely interwoven with the lives of the people in Karnataka, the state observes an array of dance patterns prevalent here. Coined as ritual dances, folk dances and classical dances, the dances of the state offer a potential medium to the people here to give vent to their feelings.

Kunitha - Ritualistic Dances
Ritualistic dances of Karnataka are known as Kunitha. Dollu Kunitha, a popular dance form of Karnataka is one such ritualistic dance. Accompanied by the melodious beats of decorated drums and sweet singing, this dance is mainly performed by Kuruba men. Quick dance movements of the men of this shepherd community observe group formations which are amazingly synchronized.

Puja Kunitha
is another form of ritualistic dances of Karnataka wherein wooden idols of the local deities are carried on their heads by the dancers. Having a deep religious connotation, this dance is usually performed on religious festivals and fairs.

Another form of ritualistic dance is performed at Hassan, Chitradurga and Chickmanglur. Known as Bana Devara Kunitha, this dance form commands the folk artists to attain perfect harmony to the clinking of bow bells. Archery being the most striking feature of this dance, it defies any oral communication of any religious content.

Apart from these the state also observes several other ritualistic dances like Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha, Pata Kunitha, the Gorava Kunitha and the Kamsale.

Classical Dances
One of the oldest and most popular classical dance form of Karnataka is the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam. Widely performed in all the regions, the dance has gradually become synonymous with the region. Kuchipudi and Kathak are also widely practiced here as major classical forms.

The rural folk of Karnataka residing mainly in the coastal regions still find relaxation in the celebration of life through their regional dances. Depending upon the region, a number of folk dance forms are prevalent in Karnataka.

Krishna Parijatha
A fine blend of a dance drama and expressive dance, this folk form is practiced in Northern Karnataka. Incidents form the Hindu epic Mahabharata are portrayed during this dance which greatly resembles Kannada theatrical tradition.

Bhootha Aradhane
Characterized by devil worship, this coastal dance invokes a huge procession of idols depicting 'bhoothas" or the devil. A constant beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers are a must for this procession. As the procession ends, the devilish idols are placed on a pedestal. A dancer personifying devil then dances around it with sword and jingling bells. Dancing vigorously at the initial stage, the dancer then slows down his movements thus signifying his modification into a divine character.

Nagamandala
Prevalent as a ritualistic dance form in South Karnataka, this dance as its very name implies is performed to tranquilize the serpent spirit. Usually performed between December to April, this dance is a night long extravagant affair. The dancers called Vaidyas are dressed in colorful attires and personify nagakannikas. They usually dance around a huge figure, drawn on the sacred ground with natural colors, in a pandal specially erected in front of the shrine.