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Folk Dances of Kar
Folk Dances of Kar
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
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
CS Mahostsava