About Dollu Kunitha Dance

Dollu Kunitha Dance

Dollu Kunitha is one of the most popular dance forms of Karnataka. It stupendous multifariousness and a mix and match of skills. It is accompanied by drum beating and singing.

It has been woven around the presiding deity of Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara chiefly worshipped by the Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka. It presents both entertainment and spiritual elucidation.

Beereshwara temples are located in many districts of Karnataka. In all temples of Beereshwara, the major instrument Dollu is hung by a thick thread tied to hooks in the ceiling. Every time worship is offered to Beereshwara, there should be an immediate beating of the Dollu.v

All about the lovely performance

The performers form a semi-circle and involve in extremely swift movements. The beat is maintained directed by a leader with symbols who are positioned in the center.

Slow and fast rhythms alternate and group. The costumes are simple. The upper part of the body is usually left bare while a black sheet-rug is tied on the lower body over the Dhooti.

Music behind Dollu Kunitha

Kuruba Gowdas sing devotional songs distinct from other kinds of folk singers, tracing the origin and evolution and development over the ages.

Dollu dance has gone on continuously from generation after generation with the same vigour.

The 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 center of activity around which other important things get built up.

Since this dance demands physical strength and devotion, only well-built people of enough stamina alone can take to it.

This literature in its oral tradition goes by the legend called Kuruba Purina. The story is that the demon Dolla-who is a devotee of Lord Shiva.

This dance form is very popular amongst the people of Karnataka and they enjoy it more than anything else. For then it is a special and traditional thing which reflects their culture.