Karnataka Culture & Folk Art-Dance:
Karnataka is famous for its rich cultural heritage, history, tradition and folk art-dance. Be it dance, music, forts, palaces or historical monuments, this state has for ages amazed and attracted tourists. Of the many folk art, Dollu Kunitha or Dollina Kunitha has always mesmerized visitors from all over the world. It is a art-dance form that originated in Shimogga/Shivamogga and around Chitradurga.
Dollu is a percussion instrument which is used in the group dance of the "Kuruba-Gowda" community in Central and North Karnataka region. A group of up to 16 musicians and dancers beat the drum and dance to various rhythms, which are controlled and directed by their leader with cymbals moving at the center. Slow and fast rhythms alternate and group weaves varied patterns. The dance is performed by strong men with big drums hanging round their necks and cymbals in their hands.
The costumes are simple. Upper part of the body is invariably left bare, while the lower one has a black sheet-rug tied on the "dhooti".
The picture depicts the famed artists from Gama Village, Shikaripura Taluk. ,Shimoga/Shivamogga performing in the Karnataka's cultural capital Mysuru/Mysore, during Dasara.
The troop is often invited by cultural event organizers to perform at various festive and ceremonial events - both within Karnataka and outside Karnataka.
Passionate performers
Passionate performers