| Dollu
Dollu, a group dance which is widely practiced in Melkote in Mandya district
offers a desirable atmosphere for the integration of new ideas in an unusual
way, through interaction and exchange of information between the two groups
of performers. Dollu, a semi circular dance, with a brilliant combination
of sound and speed, performed by the Kurub community in North Karnataka,
Shimoga and Chitradurga districts is worth noting. The soul of Dollu Kunitha
is the indigenous folk instrument called Dollu which when struck emits
a thunderous sound. Mythological, historical and social themes are narrated
by the chief narrator with the powerful musical accompaniment consisting
of the Dollu, the cymbals and the flute providing appropriate musical
setting to the narration. Messages on loan melas, small savings, adult
education and population control programmes have been integrated into
this folk dance.
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Bhagavanthike
Bhagavanthike involves a competition of a witty dialogue
between two groups of 10 to 12 artistes, who wearing spectacular costumes
recreate the fanciful tradition of folk dance. Bhagavata, who is the chief
narrator cum performer makes the folk dance of Bhagavanthike, a viable
medium of non-formal communication. There is also a jester. During the
performance, the jester sings and dances along with other artistes sometimes
following the traditional and sometimes setting up new precedents and
serves as a change-agent. Attracting wider attention through his acrobatics,
the jester skillfully adapts himself to the changing needs and demands
of the audience eventually establishing a rapport with the audience with
ease.
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Mari Kunitha
The community dance, Mari Kunitha which is wide
spread in Mysore and Mandya districts, display an insular flexibility
in the presentation and narration. Originally belonging to the Shakti
cult, these dances consist of performers standing either in rows or forming
a big circle and dancing to the tune of 'Chakravaddya', an indigenous
flat percussion instrument. The dance begins at a slow pace, gathers momentum,
reaches a frenzied pitch as the tempo of the beat increases and continues
till the rhythm fades away. The songs are sung intermittently at each
pause and hence could be heard by the audience clearly. In the dances
like Kombat and Billat, which is similar to the Mari Kunitha, the artistes
attired in customary 'Kodava' costume (consist of black
robe, a silk waist belt and a 'Zari' bordered white turban) perform carrying
deer-horns to the accompaniment of a drum and the dudi- a small
drum.
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Urimaramma
The folk dance of 'Urimaramma' is performed by a team
of a husband and wife. The artistes are nomads, wandering from one place
to another carrying an unusually designed mobile temple, eventually facilitating
a simultaneous performance of dance and worshipping of the deity, right
at the door of the people. The performer, acting like a messenger emphasises
on a social problem and he tries to motivate the people to invoke the
blessings of the deity so as to enable them to overcome an impending crisis.
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Harige
 Dances
like Harige, Bhoota Nrutya, Naga Nrutya and Vatte Kola aim at appeasing
the supernatural powers, lest the community is harmed. These dances are
deep rooted particularly in the picturesque coastal region of South and
North Karnataka. The dance serve as a traditional forum for community
members to conduct a dialogue with the performer - the re-creator
of ghost image, consequently paving way for a two way communication. The
image of the ghost is most appealing.
Bhoota Nrutya
In the coastal region of South Kanara, the Bhoota
Nrutya takes different forms, depending upon the type of the ghost
it represents. Koratti, Koraga Taniya, Ali Bhoota, Punjurli, Kuppe Punjurli,
Kalkuda, Kallurti, Shiradi Bhoota and many others represent a galaxy of
ghosts worshipped in places like Puttur, Mangalore, Bantwal and Uppinangadi.
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Naga Nrutya (snake dance)
The chief narrator of the Naga Nrutya (snake dance) is
known as Vaidya or Patri. The dance is performed with religious fervour
to appeal to the religious susceptibilities of the people.
Vatte Kola
Vatte Kola is another folk dance that comes under the
umbrella of the Bhuta tradition. It is dedicated to ghost worship. The
presentation of Vatte Kola begins with the preparation of burning coal
in an open field. The performers are required to walk over the burning
charcoal pits. The performer of Vatte Kola is an excellent communicator
who steals the show through his sincere worshipping of deity for the total
welfare of the community.
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Lingada Birana Kunitha
Lingada Birana Kunitha which is wide spread in the southern
parts of the state and where the dancers perform splendidly, holding a
sword in one hand and a shield bearing their religious emblem in the other
to the tune of the devotional narration.
Puravanthike
Puravanthike is a highly expressive and credible
narrative art which draws its strength from the heavy sprinkling of riddles
in its content. These riddles are folksy, woven around familiar things
of daily life and also amuse people in the form of simple folk poetry
and they serve as excellent channels of social education. In Puravanthike
the costumes and ornaments are colourful. Dressed like warriors, the dancers
present a skilful display of vigour with a sword in one hand and a trident
in the other.
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