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{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
{{refimprove|date=August 2012}}
[[File:Yakshaganads.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Yakshagana performers in action.]]
[[Karnataka]] has a variety of traditional arts, including [[folk dance]] and [[Puppetry#East and South Asia|puppetry]].

== {{anchor|Arts of the Karnataka region}}Mysore region ==
=== Kunitha: a ritual dance ===
The ritual dances of Karnataka are known as ''Kunitha''. One such dance is the [[Dollu Kunitha]], a popular dance form accompanied by singing and the beats of decorated drums. This dance is primarily performed by men from the [[Kuruba|Kuruba Gowda]] caste. The Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous drum beats, quick movements and synchronized group formations.

'''Bharatnatyam / Bharata Natya'''

[[Bharatanatyam]] is classical dance of Karnataka too. It is referred to as Bharata Natya in Kannada. This Indian classical dance form was mentioned in the Kannada text [[Manasollasa]] written by Someshwara lll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bharatanatyam - classical Dance |url=https://karnatakatourism.org/destinations/bharatanatyam/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Karnataka Tourism |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[Kolata]] : A stick dance <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kolata - Secular dances of Karnataka |url=https://www.webindia123.com/karnataka/Art/kolata.htm |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Webindia123.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== {{anchor|Dollu Kunitha or Dollu Dance}}Dollu Kunitha ===
{{Main|Dollu Kunitha}}
[[File:Chandeboy.jpg|thumb|170px| Various styles of traditional drums are used in folk music, dance and theater of Karnataka]]
[[File:Mahila Dollu Kunita.jpg|thumb|alt=Colourfully-dressed women dancing|upright|[[Dollu Kunitha]] is also danced by women.]]
This is a group dance named after the [[dollu]] used in its performance, and performed by the men of the [[Kuruba Gowda]] community. The group consists of 16 dancers, each wearing a drum and playing different rhythms while dancing. The beat is directed by a leader with cymbals in the center. Slow and fast rhythms alternate, and the group weaves a varied pattern. Costumes are simple; the upper part of the body is usually left bare, while a black sheet is tied on the lower body over the [[dhoti]]. A troupe led by K. S. Haridas Bhat toured the USSR in 1987, performing in [[Moscow]], [[Leningrad]], [[Vyborg]], [[Arkhangelsk]], Pskov, Murmansk, Tashkent and Novograd.

=== {{anchor|Beesu kamsaLe or kamsaLe nritya(dance)}}Beesu kamsale and kamsale nritya ===
{{Main|Kamsale}}
This is a group dance performed by village men in the [[Mysore]], Nanjanagudu, Kollegala and [[Bangalore]] regions. It is named after the kamsale, which is played and as a prop by the dancers. The kamsale is a cymbal in one hand and a bronze disc in the other, producing a rhythmic clang.

The kamsale nritya is connected to a tradition of worship of ''Male Mahadeshwara'' ([[Shiva]]) by the [[Kuruba Gowda]] community, from which most of the dancers are drawn. The dance is performed to rhythmic, melodious music sung in praise of Shiva. It is part of a ''diiksha''(oath), and is taught by a spiritual leader. This dance was showcased in Kannada films such as ''Janumadha Jodi'' and ''[[Jogi (2005 film)|Jogi]]'', in which the protagonist is a kamsale dancer.

=== Somana Kunita ===
''Somana Kunita'' (the Mask Dance) is a celebratory form of guardian spirit worship popular in southern Karnataka, performed primarily in village shrines dedicated to the [[Mother goddess#Hinduism|Mother Goddess]] by the Gangemata community. The dance is characterised by elaborate masks (''somas'') painted in a variety of colours, with each mask's colour indicating the god's nature. A benevolent deity is represented by a red mask, while a yellow or black mask suggests the opposite. There are many types of masks, differing from region to region.

Somana Kunitha is a ritualistic dance associated with worship of the ''Grama Devate'' [village deity], and is primarily celebrated after [[Ugadi]] and before the onset of the [[monsoon]] at [[Maha Shivaratri]]. It is most popular in the old Mysore region, in districts such as Hassan, Tumkur, Bangalore, Mandya and Chitradurga.

On the ceremonial day, offerings are made to the spirits. The masks are made from the [[Pterocarpus santalinus|red sandalwood]] tree. Other props include a cane (or stick) and peacock feathers. A small hat with colourful flowers, [[Azadirachta indica|neem]] leaves and colourful strips of cloth is also worn. Music is provided by the ''doonu''(percussion), ''mouri''(pipe) and ''sadde''(a pipe for the [[Śruti]]). The dancer begins in the temple of the goddess, singing praise of the guardian spirit in a trance-like state. An offering of the blood of a fowl is sometimes made to the goddess.
[[File:Folk dance of Karnataka2.jpg|thumb|Bharata Natya classical dance ]]

[[File:Suggi Kunitha Karnatala.jpg|thumb|Suggi Kunitha]]
=== Suggi Kunitha ===
''Suggi Kunitha'' (the Harvest Dance) is performed during the harvest time mostly by the farming community. Artists in beautiful costumes and wooden head gear adorned with carved birds and flower dance to the tune of drums with sticks and peacock feathers. They enhance the dance sometimes, by their own singing.<ref name="Karnataka Folk art">{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/view/karnatakafolk |title=The Stage is Karnataka|access-date=2019-01-28}}</ref>

== {{anchor|Arts of North Karnataka}}North Karnataka ==
[[File:Puupets used in puppet shows.jpg|thumb|200px|Traditional wooden Puppetry of Karnataka.]]
=== Jaggahalige Kunita ===
This is a folk art of the Hubballi Dharwad region (particularly the village of Byahatti), which is performed on occasions such as [[Ugadi]] and [[Holi]]. The ''jagghalige'' is a percussion instrument made from a [[bullock cart]] wheel wrapped in buffalo hide. The villagers roll out the large instruments and march in procession. The performance is directed by a choreographer playing a much-smaller percussion instrument called the ''kanihaligi'', made of clay and covered with calf hide. The performance usually involves about 15 people.

=== Karadi majalu ===
This is popular group folk music in north Karnataka, performed during occasions and in processions. The ''karadi'' or ''karade'' is the percussion instrument used by the group. It is a palm-sized cymbal producing metallic sounds, and the [[shehnai]] produces the melody.

=== Krishna Parijatha ===
Krishna Parijatha is theatre popular in North Karnataka. It is a combination of [[Yakshagana]] and [[Bayalatada|Bayalata]], portraying stories or scenes from the [[Mahabharata]]
=== Lavani ===
This folk dance of [[Maharashtra]] is also present in some parts karnataka

== {{anchor|Arts of ''DakshinaKannada''}}Dakshina Kannada ==
[[File:Jambavanta.JPG|thumb|180px|[[Jambavan]]ta as depicted in [[Yakshagana]].]]

=== Bhootha Aradhane ===
{{Main|Bhuta Kola}}
This dance form is widely performed in coastal regions. The ''Bhootha Aradhane'' ([[Gana]]) worship includes a procession of idols and is characterized by drums and firecrackers. At the end of the procession, the idols are placed on a [[plinth]]. A dancer, personifying a ''bhoota'' (holy spirit), dances around the plinth with sword and jingling bells. The dancer dances quickly and then slows, signifying that he is now divine.

=== Yakshagana ===
{{Main|Yakshagana}}
Yakshagana is not folk art but a popular traditional theatre of India performed in coastal and malenadu regions which is a blend of dance, music, songs, scholarly dialogue and colourful costumes. The word means "celestial music", and the dance drama is performed during the night (usually after the winter crop has been harvested).

== {{anchor|Bolak-aat|Ummatt-aat|Komb-aat|Folk arts of Kodagu}}Kodagu ==
The Huttari Dance and 'Contemporary theatre culture in Karnataka is one of the most vibrant in India with organizations like Ninasam, Ranga Shankara and Rangayana active on foundations laid down by the Gubbi Veeranna Nataka Company
''Bolak-aata'' are dance forms in [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]]. The [[Kodava people|Kodavas]] are a unique group who differ in customs, traditions and religion from the surrounding populace, and have an annual harvest dance. The men, dressed in traditional Kodava costumes with decorative knives, perform this slow dance to background music. The dance has different varieties:
===Bolak-aat===
Performed by Kodava men in back of an oil lamp in an open field. The men hold ''chavari''(yak fur) in one hand and the Kodava short sword (''odi-kathi'') in the other while performing this dance. Regional varieties of this dance exist in which performers dance with the ''chavari'' and not the short sword. When the ''odi-kathi'' is also used, the dance is known as ''kattiyaata''. The ''dudi'', an hourglass-shaped drum, provides the rhythm.

===Ummatt-aat===
Performed by Kodava women, who wear traditional Kodava dress with jewelry, adorn their foreheads with [[kumkuma]] and dance in a circle to a swinging rhythm, brass [[cymbal]]s in hand. A woman stands at the center holding a pot full of water to represent ''[[Kaveri]] Taayi'' (Mother Kaveri), whom the Kodavas worship.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=4 January 2024|title=Rani Machaiah chosen as 'Coorg Person of the Year'|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/rani-machaiah-chosen-as-coorg-person-of-the-year-2834725|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date= 28 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=11 March 2024|title=Meet Rani Machaiah, who has made popularising a Kodava folk dance form her life’s mission|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/rani-machaiah-kodava-folk-dance-form-ummathat-life-mission-8490494/|newspaper=Indina Express|access-date= 28 February 2025}}</ref>

===Komb-aat===
While the ''Bolaak-aat'' and the ''Ummatt-aat'' are celebratory and festive, the ''Komb-aat'' is a religious dance. It is traditionally performed in temples, but may also be performed in other places. Performed by Kodava men, deer horns represent the horns of the ''krishnamruga'' (a spotted deer in Kodava legend). The dance is performed to rhythmic tunes played on wind instruments and percussion, and includes martial movements representing techniques used by the Kodavas in warfare.

===Putthari Kolata===

Puthari Kolata is a form of stick dance performed by Koadavas during ' Puthari ' festival.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Huthari Kolata |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/huthari-kolata |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>

== Arts common to most regions ==
=== {{anchor|Hagalu Veeshagaararu (Day Actor's)}}''Hagalu veshagaararu'' ===
[[File:Hanumantha in the making.jpg|thumb|180px| Folk artist applying character makeup.]]
This is a group of itinerant actors in Karnataka who specialise in unscripted miming; no stage or facility is used. The artists move from place to place, pitching tents and offering to perform. They play a variety of mythological, legendary and real characters. Performances draw from daily life, and sometimes full-length plays are staged. They perform [[vachana sahitya]]s by Sarvagna, Basavanna and others.

The harmonium, the tabla-dagga and a pair of cymbals provide melody and rhythm. For their performances, staged in village squares and fairs, the actors receive food collected in a bag by an assistant accompanying the troupe. Most ''hagalu veshagaararus'' belong to the [[Veerashaiva]] tradition, while some are Muslims. Sometimes they are addressed as ''jyaatigaararu'' ("belonging to the Muslim community"). They are also known as ''suDugaaDu siddha'' ("monks of the cemetery") or ''bahuroopi'' ("having many disguises").

As their name suggests, they perform primarily during the day (''hagalu'') and only men take part (including female roles). While entertainment is the main objective, the ''hagalu veshagararu'' also educate villagers about mythology and social issues with their performances.

=== Goravara kunita ===
''Goravara kunita'' is a dance worshipping Shiva which is popular in the Mysore and North Karnataka regions. In North Karnataka the [[Kuruba|Goravas]] worship [[Mylara Lingeshwara Temple]] ''which belongs to the [[Halumatha|Halumatha(Kuruba gowda)]] community.'' In South Karnataka the Goravas wear black-and-white woollen garments and a black-bear-fur cap (of black bear), and play the [[damaru]] and the ''pillangoovi'' (flute). In North Karnataka the Goravas wear black woollen garments and a leather shoulder bag; some wear a black coat and white dhoti. The dancers rub crimson powder and ''vibhooti'' (sacred ash) on their foreheads. Traditional Gorava devotees dance in a trance, sometimes barking like dogs. The dancers move in a clockwise zigzag, with no fixed choreography. The North Karnataka Goravas wear yellow powder on their foreheads and give ''[[Prasada]]'' to devotees. Damaru, [[venu]], small bronze bells and cowbells (''paarigante'') are played.
The dance consists of trance-like movements with no fixed choreography.

=== Nagamandala ===
{{Main|Nagaradhane}}
This ritual dance is performed in south Karnataka to tranquilize the serpent spirit, and is an extravagant night-long affair. The dancers (''Vaidyas'') dance all night around a huge figure, drawn on the ground in natural colors, in a [[pandal]] in front of the shrine. The dance is generally performed between December and April.

=== {{anchor|Bangalore Karaga}}Karaga ===
The karaga, in a dance performed by the [[Thigala]]s, is a metal pot on which stands a tall, floral [[pyramid]] and which is balanced on the carrier's head. The contents of the pot are secret. The carrier's arrival is heralded by hundreds of bare-chested, dhoti-clad, turbaned Veerakumaras with unsheathed swords.

=== Gaarudi Gombe ===
{{Main|Gaarudi Gombe}}
''Gaarudi Gombe'' is a [[folk dance]] in which dancers dress in suits made of [[bamboo]] sticks. ''Gaarudi-Gombe'' means "magical puppet" in [[Kannada language|Kannada]]. The dance is performed during major festivals and in the procession held during the [[Mysore Dasara]], and is known as ''Tattiraya'' in the coastal regions. ''Tattiraya'' means "someone carrying a doll made of bamboo sticks".<ref name="up">A description of Gaarudi Gombe is provided by {{cite web|url=http://www.udupipages.com/home/culture/folk1.html |title=Folk Arts – Music and Dance |work=Online webpage of udupipages.com |publisher=Shathabdi Graphics Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=2007-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102054528/http://www.udupipages.com/home/culture/folk1.html |archive-date=2007-01-02 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

The dance features masks, puppets and colourful regional costumes. The puppets are made from bamboo and [[papier mâché]], painted with suitable makeup. During the fair and festival procession to the temple, the giant dolls are the central attraction to spectators. The dolls are hollow and permit a person to get inside, carry the structure on his shoulders and dance, while being able to see. The dolls are used for fun and to ward off evil spirits, depicting characters from Indian mythology and folklore. The dance is performed to the ''tamate'' and ''dholu'' (a percussion instrument). Each doll weighs {{convert|10|to|12|kg|abbr=off}}, and stand {{convert|10|to|12|ft|abbr=off}} tall. During the procession, some performers wear character masks and interact with the dolls. Itinerant performers dressed as a tiger (''hulivesha'') or bear (''karadi-vesha'') with dancing monkeys are common in South India.

=== Joodu Haligi ===
The Joodu Haligi is performed with two percussion instruments. The Haligi is round, made of buffalo hide and played with a short stick. The dance is characterised by high energy and exaggerated expressions by two or three performers.
[[File:Hanuman and Ravana in Tholu Bommalata, the shadow puppet tradition of Andhra Pradesh, India.JPG|thumb|[[Togalu Gombeyaata]], is a traditional form of shadow puppetry from Karnataka.]]

=== {{anchor|Puppetry – String Puppets Play Of North Karnataka}}Puppetry ===
{{Main|Togalu Gombeyaata}}
''Togalu Gombeyaata'' is a type of [[shadow puppetry]] which is unique to Karnataka. The name meaning "a play with leather dolls" in Kannada.<ref name="Toga">A description of Togalu Gombeyaata is provided by {{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/03/stories/2005010301760300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050118163749/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/03/stories/2005010301760300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2005-01-18|author=Staff Correspondent|title=Create atmosphere to develop rural theatre|access-date=2005-01-03|location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2005-01-03}}</ref> The [[Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat]] has researched this art form, and has an extensive collection of leather puppets.

=== Veeragaase/Guggla dance ===
{{Main|Veeragase}}
''Veeragase'' also called as ''Guggla'', a vigorous dance based on [[Hindu mythology]], is one of the dances performed at the Mysore Dasara. It is primarily performed during the [[Hindu calendar|Hindu months]] of Shravana and Karthika.

== See also ==
* [[Karnataka]]
* [[Janapada Loka]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}

== References ==
{{Commons category|Folk art of Karnataka}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20171010100208/http://www.udupipages.com/art-culture/folk-arts-dance-karnataka.php Folk arts & Dances of Karnataka]}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070702081521/http://www.szcc.tn.nic.in/05_folk/karnataka/karnatakafolk.html Folk arts of Karnataka]

{{Karnataka topics}}

[[Category:Arts of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Culture of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Indian folk art|Karnataka]]
[[Category:Karnataka folklore]]

Folk arts of Karnataka - Revision history

Camorabug at 19:09, 19 January 2026