DOLLU KUNITHA ACT I - Mahesh Dollu ║ BackPack Studio™ (Season 2) ║ Indian Folk Music - Karnataka

Dollu Kunitha derives its name from Dollu — the percussion instrument used in the dance. It is performed by the menfolk of the Kuruba community of the North Karnataka area. The beat is controlled and directed by a leader with cymbals who is positioned in the centre. Dollu Kunitha (dance), is a major popular drum dance of Karnataka. Accompanied by singing, it provides spectacular variety and complexity of skills. Woven around the presiding deity of Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara, chiefly worshipped by the Kurumba Goudas of Karnataka and also called Halumathasthas, it presents both entertainment and spiritual edification. Dollu dance has gone on uninterruptedly generation after generation with renewed vigour and raciness of performance. Hardly any religious performance of a ritualistic ceremony or any village festival can ever take place without this dance, especially in North Karnataka. On all these occasions, the Dollu dance becomes the very centre of activity around which other important things get built up. Since this dance demands strength, muscle power and the spirit of endurance, only well-built sturdy persons of enough stamina alone can take to it. The troupe consists of about a dozen artists as dancing partners. Against the background, we have tala, tappadi, trumpets, gong and flute, raised to a high-pitched tenor. These instruments are perforce used to reinforce the rich vibrations of Dollu. Song Credits - Mahesh Dollu Group (9845716857)