Karnataka has a diverse heritage of folk music and dance that is deeply rooted in the state’s rural communities. Folk arts have flourished in the villages and small towns of Karnataka for centuries, passed down through oral traditions from one generation to the next. The folk songs and dances encapsulate the distinct cultural identity of the various communities while also reflecting universal themes of human emotions, relationships, struggles and beliefs.
Lavani
One of the most popular folk dance and music forms in northern Karnataka is Lavani. Performed widely in Bijapur, Dharwad, Gulbarga and Bidar districts, Lavani involves fast-paced music, energetic dance moves and expressive lyrics. The songs often revolve around romance, separation, longing and unrequited love. Lavani is performed by female artists wearing nine-yard saris and rhythmic ghungroo bells around their ankles. The musical accompaniment involves dhols, harmonium, violin, flute and jhanj. Some famous Lavani songs include Kuradaga Saradaaga, Ninna Nenedare Nannada Nintiro and Yaako Ninna Aadisida. The influence of Marathi culture is evident in Lavani.
Dollu Kunitha
The Dollu Kunitha drum dance is a popular folk art that originated from the Halakki Vokkaliga tribal communities of Chitradurga, Shimoga, Davangere and Chikmagalur districts. Both men and women dancers move rhythmically to the beats of drums like dolu, tamburi and chande. The dance is an invocation to the local goddess Beereshwari. The costumes are quite minimal with just a knee-length skirt worn by female dancers. The dance symbolizes solidarity and unity within the community.
Suggi Kunitha
Drawing from the oral storytelling traditions, Suggi Kunitha is a folk dance-drama performed in the villages of North Karnataka districts. The performers wear colorful costumes, elaborate headgears and dance to the rhythmic beats of cymbals as they act out mythological stories on stage. One dancer narrates the story while the others express it through movements. The Kamsale percussion accompaniment drives the performance. It is common for the performers to get immersed in devotional fervor during the dramatic climax scenes.
Sobane
Sobane are traditional wedding songs of rural Karnataka that capture the emotions and rituals associated with marriage. Sung on the eve of the wedding, the Sobane songs blessing the bride and groom for a happy married life. The songs detail the wedding preparations, describe the union of the families, and express the pain of separation from the daughter. Sobane songs have a poignant, melodic style accompanied mainly by cymbals like Jaggale and tamburi.
Kamsale
Popular in Mysore, Mandya and Bangalore rural districts, Kamsale is a unique folk dance accompanied by the melodious music of cymbals. The cymbals are made of bronze and known as Kamsale in Kannada. The lead dancer wears the cymbals and provides the rhythm while other dancers follow. The costume involves elaborate headgear, garlands, and waist ornaments. Kamsale songs often revolve around Lord Krishna’s stories. The dance symbolizes devotion and spirituality.
Gorava
The Gorava folk dance is closely associated with worship of Lord Shiva. Performed by the Gorava community of priests, this semi-religious dance form invokes Lord Shiva through mystical songs and enacts spiritual rituals. Wearing black woolen garments, chains, bells and anklets, the dancers go into a state of devotional frenzy as they swirl and move to Gorava music. The traditional musical instruments include the thamte, a string instrument, and chande.
Hagalu Vesha
Meaning ‘costume of the field’, Hagalu Vesha is a folk dance performed by farmers community of Karnataka during harvest time. Men and women dancers wear symbolic costumes made of bark, leaves, grass, cow skins and colorful accessories. They dance in a circular formation to songs that celebrate the abundance of the harvest season. The rustic dance movements and songs convey the farming traditions and cultivation practices.
Janapada Songs
Janapada are traditional folk songs sung in the Kannada language across rural Karnataka. These songs speak of village life, agricultural activities, festivals, folk stories, philosophy and local legends. Janapada songs encompass a wide range of folk genres like Lavani, Sobane, Kummi, Kolata, Gombeyaata, etc. They provide a glimpse into the lifestyle and social relations of agrarian communities. Well-known Janapada folk singers include H. Lokeshwari, Malini Rajur, Indira Priyadarshini and Mysore Lalitha.
Preservation Efforts
To preserve the rich intangible heritage of folk arts, the Karnataka state government organizes annual folk arts festivals showcasing folk music, dance and theater traditions from different parts of the state. District and village level cultural programs are also held regularly. Renowned artists conduct folk arts workshops. Academic institutions like Ninasam, and Karnataka Folklore University offer courses in folk culture studies. Radio, television and social media provide platforms for promoting folk arts among the youth. However, sustaining artist livelihoods and passing on traditions to new generations remains a challenge.
