Yaksha Gana

Yakshagana is a dance form popular in

the state of Karnataka. It is a blend of
acting and dialogues that try to convey a
story. One highlight of this dance is that
it demands spontaneous acting from the
artists. More than the dance, it reflects
the ability of the performer to balance
dance with theatre art. The people
concerned who are called the Yakshas,
belong to an exotic tribe that has been
mentioned in the Sanskrit Literature.

Dollu kunitha

Mahila Dollu Kunita

Dollu Kunitha, is a major popular

drum
dance
ofKarnataka.
Accompanied by singing, it provides
spectacular variety and complexity of
skills. Woven around the presiding
deity
of
Beereshwara
or
Beeralingeswara, chiefly worshipped by
the
Kuruba GowdasofKarnatakaand
also called Halumathasthas, it presents
both
entertainment
and
spiritual
edification.

Bolak - Att

According to a legend 'Lord vishnu' took

various avatars (in Carnation) for the
destruction of the evil demons. To destroy
the demon 'Bhasmasura' Vishnu danced in
the 30 varieties, and one among them is
'Bolkat' . This dance is performed in front of
oil lamp in an open field. This performed
exclusively by men in the Kodava Dress.
Performers in their hand 'chavari' (Yak-animal
fur) and in the another hand holds 'Kodava
(Sickle') kodava katti. Many regional
variations are found in dance forms that few
performers use only 'chavari' and dance to
the tune of 'Dudi'. When they dance with a
sickle in their hand it is identified as

BISU KAMSALE

The KAMSALE dance is named after the

instrument held in hands of the dancer. The
KAMSALE artistes or dancers are found in the
Kannada
speaking
areas
of
Mysore,
Nanjangudu, Kollegal and Bangalore.
KAMSALE is closely connected with a
tradition of Shiva worship. The artistes,
drawn from 'Haalu Kuruba' community. Who
have vowed to live a life of devotion to Lord
Mahadeeshvara are supposed to perform
KAMSALE. The dance is a part of a 'diiksha'
or oath and is taught by teacher or spiritual
leader.

Gaarudi Gombe

In Karnataka the street procession

performance includes the giant sized
dolls or the puppets made out of
bamboo sticks. The body is rapped
with colourful costumes of the
regional dress, sometime the replica
of the live human theatre i.e.
"Yakshagana".

Komb -Aat

This dance form used to be performed with

religious sentiments only in the temple
premises. In the recent years, it is performed
in other places also. Men dancing, holding
deer horns is the main attraction of this
dance. The wind piping musicians and
percussionist render rhythmic tunes to the
performers. This art has certain martial
movements because the Kodavas are known
for the in war techniques and valour. The
performers wear their ethnic dress, and deer
horns are used in place of daggers for self
protection. In the legend of the horns of
'Krishnmuruga' ( a dark coloured spotted
deer) while dancing.

Bhoota Kola

In Coastal Karnataka (Dakshina

Kannada District, India) the term
'bhuuta' means a divine spirit which
deserves periodic propitiation. The
cult is practiced from generation to
generation. The 'bhuuta' rituals
enormously vary from village to
village according to the social
structure of the society.

Veeragase

Mahila Veeragase

Devotees of shiva-cult dance in

groups of two and four, six and
sometime holds a sword and dance.
They also perform a ritual on stage
viz. Piercing a long or short needle
across their mouth. The sambal and
Dimmu are used as percussion
instruments. Cymbals and Shehanoy
(wind pipes) are also used the
leading
singer
narrates
the
"Dakshayajna" epic with percussion
instrument beating creates heroic
tempo.