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Karnataka has seen inimitable art forms that are several centuries old. The main purpose of art here is not mere entertainment, neither does it elevate the everyday to the sublime. Art serves as a beautiful way of bringing communities closer and the narratives highlight the true colours of the spirit of the state of Karnataka.
Sound, music, make-up, costume, a story to tell and a set of keen ears has made performing arts in Karnataka one of sheer delight. Here are the exquisite art forms of Karnataka that have been on and off the big stage but have managed to survive in their own sections of the society.
Photos Courtesy: Vaibhav Mehta and Karnataka Tourism
Yakshagana
The poster-art of Karnataka, Yakshagana is all about drama, dance, music and dialogue delivery. "Yaksha" is a celestial being and "gana" is song. This art form is at least 400 years old and is mainly found in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The culture being predominantly agri-based, Yakshagana is performed in rainy seasons as a way to uplift spirits.
Yakshagana- Dusk to Dawn
Yakshagana is usually performed from dusk to dawn that narrates mythological stories and Epic poems - Kavya and Purana - in an extravagant dance form to its audiences. The Bhagavata is the main storyteller here who is accompanied by musicians 'chande' and 'maddale'. Popular among the composers of Yakshagana acts is the poet Muddana who gave us the famous act Rathnavathi Kalyana.
Goravara Kunita
It is said that humans have extreme animilistic tendencies that are rather hidden from popular eyes. Goravara Kunita exhibits like no other the animal in humans. The Goravas, who dress themselves fiercefully yet aesthetically, are the devotees of Mailaara linga.
Dollu Kunita
Now made famous in folk arts' category in major cities around the world like Bangalore, Dollu Kunita is a lively performance of the Kuruba community in Karnataka. Artists hold the drum and hop to the beat and rhythmic counts. The dance form originated as a dedication to Lord Beereshwara and hence known as Beerappana Dollu. Although, in recent times, the dance form has broken its religious boundaries and adapted to demanding needs of folk entertainment in urban spaces.
Somana Kunita
Elaborate masks and the birth and death of Somas, the performers, form the core of Somana Kunita. The ritualistic performance is held in a religious setting because the main purpose of this dance is to protect the village deity by keeping away evil spirits and at the same time guard the village by offering prayers to the deity.
Krishna Parijata
Full of wit and spontaneity, Krishna Parijata is a tradition fold theatre form that narrates the story of the fight Lord Krishna had with Indira over the Parijatha tree. These are usually open-air performances that entertain audiences with impromptu improvisations on-stage.
Jagghalige Kunita
Wheels of a bullock carts wrapped in buffalo hides makes the main instrument for the Jagghalige Kunita act. Ugadi is the main festival that sees this performance throughout the state that pumps up the festive mood.
Beesu Kamsale
Kamsale is a brass disc used as the instrument for this performance. Beesu Kamsale is one of the most vigorous folk arts in Karnataka and is mainly practiced by the people of Mahadeshwara Gudda. This art form not only requires great skill but also demands hard practice.
Chowdike Mela
The devotees of Goddess Yellamma recieves praises in her name through this art form. The singers, predominantly women, smear their foreheads with auspicious ash and sing the glory of Lord Yellamma. The Chowdike is the instrument that accompanies the performance.
