| Garaka
Dance (Vessel Dance)
Garaga means a pot or vessel. The dance performed with a vessel on the
head is known as Garaganrityam. This is very popular in Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu. This dance was performed as a ritual by Asadis during
propitiating ceremonies of village goddesses. In Andhra this is popular
in the coastal districts and the border districts of Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu.
In olden days the priest in trance known as Ganachary
used to dance without any make up for himself, with a decorated earthen
pot on his head in-front of the temple of a village goddess or along with
her retinue in procession to the beats of Dappu. It is a strong
percussion instruments. In course of time the Garaga dance has acquired
many attractive adjuncts in make up and dance styles. Brass vessels covered
with colourful cloths, decorated with vermilion and turmeric are held
on the heads by the artistes when they dance. The mouth of the brass
vessel is covered with a five hooded serpent made in brass or bronze.
The dancers put on colourful clothes and hold a bunch of margosa leaves
symbolic of Shakti worship. The adept Dappu players produce varying
beats in Trisara, caturasra and other gatis and the garaga dancers dance
and produce the same sounds with the jingling bells tied to their ankles.
The artistes maintain the balance of the vessels on their heads by without
moving their heads though their bodies and limbs move very fast.
They have introduced many nuances and acrobatics in their dance styles
for attracting the spectators. They lie down on their bellies and pick
up coins and sticks with their lips. They stand facing each other
on one leg and make a knot with each others leg and dance to the drum
beats. They also play kolatam striking at each others stick. All
these while maintaining the balance of the vessels on their heads.
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