VandeMataram
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Among the culturally rich states of India, Karnataka is known for its rich contribution to Indian culture. The dances of Karnataka are not just expressions of art, but are in themselves an expression of the cultural history of the state as well. The main dances of Karnataka include several variations of folk dances as well as some of the most important forms classical dances in India. There are several ritualistic dances in Karnataka and rural areas are a vast store of lively as well as vibrant folk dances and dance-dramas. Some of these dance forms are listed below.
Dollu Kunitha Dance
Dollu Kunitha Dance is a group dance that is named after the Dollu - the percussion instrument used in the dance. Kunitha are considered as the ritualistic dances of Karnataka, of which the Dollu Kunitha is one of the ritualistic dance dorms that is popular with the kurubas of 'Beereshvara Sampradaya'. This is a very popular dance form of Karnataka, accompanied by the beats of the drums, and singing of the dancers. The beating drums are decorated by using colours or by flowers. Only the men of the shepherd community (Kuruba community) are privileged to perform this dance. The Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous drumbeats, quick dancing movements and synchronized group formations. Another dance form of Karnataka, which is equally famous, is the Puja Kunitha. This dance is performed by males and all dancers carry a wooden having a deity at their heads. As this dance form is related to a legend associated with the divine couple of Shiva and Parvathi, it is mainly popular among Saivites.
Yakshgana
A popular dance form of Karnataka, Yakshgana is folk theatre form that relates with several traditions and principles of the Sanskrit theatre or drama, mainly those of the Purvaranga and the existence of a character, Vidushak. It is an ancient form of art and its original form involves the use of recitative modes of poetry, melodies of music, rhythm and dance techniques, colourful costumes and graceful make up. It distinctly differs in many ways from the norms of the Sanskrit stage, as it does not contain a highly elaborate language of hand and eye-gestures, but it is closely related to developments in literature in the adjoining states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and has some affinities to literary forms.
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 colors which represent deities.
Karadimajal
Another popular folk dance of the state is Karadimajal, which is basically a 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.
Bhootha Aradhane
An extensively performed dance in the coastal region of Karnataka is Bhootha Aradhane. The Bhootha Aradhane or Holy Spirit (Shiva Gana's) worship includes a procession of idols illustrating '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 pedestal and a dancer representing a Bhoota or the Holy Spirit dances around the pedestal with sword and rattling bells. This is a popular dance form of the state.
Dollu Kunitha Dance
Dollu Kunitha Dance is a group dance that is named after the Dollu - the percussion instrument used in the dance. Kunitha are considered as the ritualistic dances of Karnataka, of which the Dollu Kunitha is one of the ritualistic dance dorms that is popular with the kurubas of 'Beereshvara Sampradaya'. This is a very popular dance form of Karnataka, accompanied by the beats of the drums, and singing of the dancers. The beating drums are decorated by using colours or by flowers. Only the men of the shepherd community (Kuruba community) are privileged to perform this dance. The Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous drumbeats, quick dancing movements and synchronized group formations. Another dance form of Karnataka, which is equally famous, is the Puja Kunitha. This dance is performed by males and all dancers carry a wooden having a deity at their heads. As this dance form is related to a legend associated with the divine couple of Shiva and Parvathi, it is mainly popular among Saivites.
Yakshgana
A popular dance form of Karnataka, Yakshgana is folk theatre form that relates with several traditions and principles of the Sanskrit theatre or drama, mainly those of the Purvaranga and the existence of a character, Vidushak. It is an ancient form of art and its original form involves the use of recitative modes of poetry, melodies of music, rhythm and dance techniques, colourful costumes and graceful make up. It distinctly differs in many ways from the norms of the Sanskrit stage, as it does not contain a highly elaborate language of hand and eye-gestures, but it is closely related to developments in literature in the adjoining states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and has some affinities to literary forms.
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 colors which represent deities.
Karadimajal
Another popular folk dance of the state is Karadimajal, which is basically a 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.
Bhootha Aradhane
An extensively performed dance in the coastal region of Karnataka is Bhootha Aradhane. The Bhootha Aradhane or Holy Spirit (Shiva Gana's) worship includes a procession of idols illustrating '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 pedestal and a dancer representing a Bhoota or the Holy Spirit dances around the pedestal with sword and rattling bells. This is a popular dance form of the state.