|
(1) Kamsale
 'Kamsale'
popularly known as 'Devadraguddas' are the disciples of Lord Madayya.
'Kamsale Mela' is a popular folk song which deals with the history
of 'Mahadeshwara' (worshipping deity) of Mahadeshwara hills, a renowned
pilgrim centre, situated in Mysore district.
The
name 'Kamsale' is derived from the traditional musical instrument. It is a
unique musical instrument consisting of two bronze plates. The bronze cymbal is
in the form of a cup with a broad base. The other plate is a flat structure with
a tassel tied in the centre. The cup is held in the left hand and with the help
of the tassel the flat plate is held in the right hand and the singer clashes
both of them rhythmically during the performances.
'Kamsale' singers sing either individually or in a group. when
in group, this form becomes a mela and consists of three members. The
main performer plays the 'Kamsale' instrument, supported by two artistes
in the background playing an instrument-the 'Dammadi' and the 'Yekatari'-single-stringed
musical instrument. The performance consists of narration by the chief
singer, who pauses in between to interpret the story. The Kamsale artists
do not wear any traditional costumes. Their dressing is simple, they wear
'Rudraksha' beads; their religious emblem and carry a satchel. They
are illiterates and have no printed literature. They learn those songs
orally. They participate in fairs, which are held in Mahadeshwara hills
during 'Diwali', 'Shivaratri' and 'Ugadi' festivals and are found extensively
in Mysore, Mandya and Bangalore districts of the state.
Top
(2) Neelagarus
'Neelagarus'
popularly known as 'Manteswamys' belong to a religious sect called 'Manteswamy' and they sing praises of the virtues and supernatural powers
of their deity. 'Manteswamy' or Siddappaji was a renowned religious
personality endowed with supernatural powers with an objective of spreading the
'Bhakti' cult and incubate moral virtues among the people.
'Neelagarus'
play an impressive folk instrument known as 'Tamburi' which is a long
four-stringed instrument with lion or snake face made of wood. The song mela
usually comprises of four to five members. The main performer plays the 'Tamburi'
whereas the other artistes sing in the background and play instruments
like a small kettle drum called the 'Dakke' and small cymbals.
The
costume of these artists consists of a head gear, a coloured dhoti and a 'Jubba'
and they apply sandal paste and sacred ash on their foreheads. Only those who
undergo the consecration ceremony in the religious mutts are qualified to practice
such religious singing as a profession. They wear 'Rudrakshi' beads and carry a
satchel. These artistes participate during fairs
held annually in places like Chikkalur, Kapadi and Bophanagowdanapura in
Mandya district. They are found in Kanakapura, Malavalli, Ramanagaram,
Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya,
T. Narasipura, Pandavapura, Heggadadevanakote, Mysore and
Hunsur.
Top
|
