DOLLU KUNITHA

Dollu Kunitha in Karnataka is generally performed to commemorate an auspicious event. The districts of Shimoga and Chitradurga are particularly noted for their excellence in the performance of this folk form. The performance like almost all other folk performances of India is not only a mode of entertainment but is intended towards the spiritual well being of the performers and the spectators Karnataka region has tribes who are predominantly hunters and food-gatherers.
 They have a large repertoire of songs and dances which revolve around hunting,  food gathering and burial funeral rites. The dodavas of Karnataka perform the  Balakat dance at harvest time. The ritual dances revolving around worship of Lord Subramanya are called Kavadis. The state has an immense treasure house of other ritualistic dances, all denoted by the generic term Kunitha. In Puja Kunitha, there is a wooden structure with a deity on the head; Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yell ammana Kunitha, Suggikunitha and others, each taking its name from the deity or the symbol or instrument which is balanced on the head, or held in the hand. The Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka. The men have large drums, decorated with coloured cloth, slung from their necks, and they beat the drums as they dance with nimble movements of the feet and legs. The dance is at times accompanied by songs, which are either religious or in praise of war.

Dollu Kunitha of Karnataka is performed by both men and women either in separate groups or together. Karnataka's Dollu Kunitha is distinctive in its use of the Dollu, a specialized drum that are struck with fingers
and produces a loud sound like a thunder when struck. There are stylized dances accompanying the sonorous beating of the drums. They form a semi-circle and involve in extremely swift and sinuous movements. Along with the drums, the songs and the extremely vigorous dances, the participants  including the audience are transported to a different world of enchantment and bliss.

Gorava Kunitha

Gorava Kunitha of Karnataka is typically performed by groups of 10 to 11 men. They usually belong to the singing tribe of the Goravas, who are strong worshipers of Lord Shiva. The Gorava fairs are usually venues for the performance of Gorava Kunitha at Karnataka. The participants are members of the Gorava clan.