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Folk Dance
Based on the content and purpose, folk dances of Karnataka are categorised as
religious and secular.
Religious Dances
Most folk dances owe their existence to religion
and are performed during fairs, festivals and other religious occasions
celebrated by a local communities.
The dances like
'Nandi Dhwaja', 'Lingada-Berana', Gorava dance, Veeragase,
Beesu Kamsale and Puravanthike are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
Bhagawanthike, Pata Kunitha and Bana Devara Kunitha
are dances performed to worship Lord Vishnu.
Mariammana
Kunitha, Urimarammana Kunitha, Puja, Karaga, Dollu, Soman Kunitha, Harige,
Sedere, Bhoota Nrutya, Naga Nrutya, Vatte Kola, Kombat and Billat are
being performed to worship all incarnations of 'Shakti', the deity of power.
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Nandi Dhwaja
The dance performance in Nandi Dhwaja consist of an attractively
decorated bamboo pole measuring about 20 to 25 feet long and 4 inch wide
in circumference. Nandi Dhwaja is performed by skilled and experienced
dancers. The performance begins with the erection of the Nandi pole which
is initially thrust into a 'Navara'-the pouch worn by the performer. Balancing
the pole at 90o , the dancer accomplishes rhythmic movements
and intricate acrobats to the emotional tunes of the musical accompaniments.
This dance is prevalent in all parts of the state except Kodagu.
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Beesu Kamsale
The artistes of Beesu Kamsale are an expert singing community.
But vigorous, rhythmic movements dominate the performance of Beesu Kamsale.
Narration is regulated to the background.
Pata Kunitha
 In
Pata Kunitha, the major emphasis is more on the manipulation of pata (embellished
bamboo pole, each measuring 10 to 15 feet high, carried by 10 to 15 artistes)
than the narration. The dances Beesu Kamsale and Pata are widely popular
in Mysore region.
Bana Devara Kunitha
In Bana Devara Kunitha, the folk artistes will be preoccupied
with attaining perfect harmony to the clinking of bow bells rather than
on oral communication of any religious content. The striking feature of
this dance is archery. This form of dance is found in places like Hassan,
Chitradurga and Chikkamagulur.
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 Puja
Kunitha
In Puja Kunitha dance, the emphasis is more on the
visual presentation than the oral narration. Here the spectacular exhibition
of colourful bamboo structure is ably matched by the skilful body movements.
It is prevalent in Bangalore and Mandya districts.
Karaga
Karaga is known for its rigidity with high ritualistic
significance. It is popular in Mysore and Bangalore districts.
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Sedere dance
In Sedere dance, the performance in an emotion charged
atmosphere. Any communication through music gets drowned in the din of
the thunderous sound of musical instruments amidst fast paced virile performance.
Sedere is performed by scheduled castes and washer men in some parts of
Bangalore and Hassan districts. Gorava Mela
 In
Gorava mela which is extensively practiced in Mysore, Shimoga, Belgaum
and Dharwad districts, the artistes display immense abilities of oral
communication and perception. Goravas are singing tribe who narrates stories
of deeper religious value.
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