Andhra Pradesh is a state known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. One of the most fascinating aspects of its Arts & Culture is the Major Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh, which showcases colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic performances. These folk dances are a window into the history, traditions, and daily lives of the people.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular and significant folk dances of the state, along with key points that highlight their uniqueness.
List of Major Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh
The table below presents a list of significant folk dances from Andhra Pradesh. 👇
| Bhamakalapam | Andhra Natyam | Dappu |
| Vilasini Natyam | Veera Natyam | Dhimsa |
| Gobbi | Chiratala Bhajana | Kolattam |
| Tappeta Gundlu | Lambadi | Butta Bommalata |
| Urumulu | Chhadi | Ghanta Mardala |
| Ottam Thedal |
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Andhra Pradesh’s Folk Dances: Key Points Every Aspirant Should Know
Bhamakalpam
- Bhama in Bhamakalpam refers to Satyabhama, Krishna’s beautiful yet jealous wife, while “kalapam” means a complaint or argument.
- It is a form of theatre and a type of drama rooted in the devotional practices of Kuchipudi performers.
- Siddhendra Yogi, in the 17th century, created Bhamakalpam to express devotion through dance and drama.
- This art form is performed by various troupes in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing graceful and feminine dance movements called “lasya.”
- Unlike other traditional forms like Kathakali and Yakshagana, which focus on strong “tandava” movements, Bhamakalpam emphasizes feminine expressions in dance.
Andhra Natyam
- Andhra Natyam is a classical dance that originated in the courts of Andhra Ikshvakus.
- This dance form has a rich history of over 2000 years.
- It faced a decline during the Mughal and British eras.
- In the 20th century, Andhra Natyam was successfully revived, preserving this ancient tradition.
Dappu
- The Dappu dance uses a drum resembling a tambourine made from goatskin, played with sticks to create rhythmic beats.
- 16 to 20 dancers typically wear ankle bells, adding to the lively rhythm of the drum.
- It originated in Telangana, especially in the Nizamabad District, and is deeply tied to local customs.
- Dappu dance often leads processions during jatakas, festivals, or marriages, showcasing its cultural significance.
- Performers wear vibrant costumes and makeup and dance to the accompaniment of cymbals, tabla, and harmonium, creating a festive atmosphere.
- It highlights percussive dance movements with themes from mythology, catering primarily to rural audiences.
- As one of the janapada Kalalau, Dappu dance celebrates the rich rhythmic traditions of Telangana.
Vilasini Natyam
- Vilasini Natyam is a traditional dance form associated with the devadasis of Andhra Pradesh.
- It faced near extinction after the anti-devadasi act was enacted.
- A few dedicated dancers worked tirelessly to revive and preserve this dance form.
- Despite its revival, Vilasini Natyam is yet to receive official recognition as an Indian Classical Dance.
- The efforts of these dancers have been crucial in preserving and revitalizing this important cultural heritage.
Veeranatyam
- Veeranatyam, also called Veerangam or Veerabhadra Nrityam, is an ancient dance form in Andhra Pradesh with deep religious significance.
- The name Veeranatyam comes from ‘Veera,’ meaning brave, and symbolizes the dance of the brave.
- Its origin lies in Hindu mythology, depicting Lord Shiva’s destructive dance, Veeranatyam, in response to the humiliation of his consort Sati Devi.
- The dance is performed by the Veerabhadriya community, who claim descent from Veerabhadra, using instruments like Tambura, Soolam, Dolu, Tasha, and Veeranam, particularly in Draksharamam in East Godavari District.
- Men from regions like Hyderabad, East and West Godavari, Kurnool, Anantapur, Warangal, and Khammam perform Veeranatyam.
- The dance includes three main stages:
- Veerabhadra Pallem: Carrying a plate with a camphor fire.
- Dhwaja Sthamba: Holding a consecrated pole with bells.
- Narasam: Using spears and tridents on the ankles, hands, and tongue.
- Dancers wear colorful knee-length dhotis and perform to rhythmic beats from instruments like Dolu, Tasha, Veena, Thambura, and Soolam.
- Initially a ritual dance in Shiva temples, Veeranatyam is now performed by the Veeramusti community, primarily in Andhra Pradesh.
- The dance is known for its fierce and emotional expression, requiring long steps and dexterous hand movements, with Draksharamam being a prominent performance venue.
Dhimsa
- Dhimsa dance is a traditional dance performed by the Valmiki, Bogata, Khond, and Kotia tribes in the Araku Valley of Vishakhapatnam district.
- This dance is celebrated by both men and women, young and old, especially during Chaitra (March and April), and is a key part of weddings and festivals.
- The dance fosters camaraderie between villages, with dancers visiting other villages during festivals, a practice known as “Sankidi Kelbar”, promoting friendship and fraternity.
- Women wear tribal attire and ornaments, dancing in groups to rhythms from instruments like Mori, Kiridi, Tudumu, Dappu, and Jodukommulu.
- Dhimsa has eight distinct categories of dances, each with unique characteristics:
- Boda Dimsa: A worship dance dedicated to the village goddess, with men and women dancing in a serpent-like circle.
- Gundert Dimsa (Usku Dimsa): A male dancer invites women to join him in the dance.
- God Beta Dimsa: Dancers bend forward and rise in a swaying motion.
- Poster-Tola Dimsa: A dance symbolizing leaf-picking, with dancers marching in two rows.
- Bhag Dimsa: Represents escaping a tiger’s attack.
- Natikari Dimsa: A solo dance performed by Valmikis during Diwali.
- Kunda Dimsa: Dancers push each other rhythmically with their shoulders.
- Baya Dimsa: Performed by a tribal magician when possessed by the village goddess.
- These dances reflect community unity and the cultural heritage of these tribes, promoting inclusivity without discrimination.
- Despite changes, the hill tribes have preserved their traditions, and though not classical, their dances follow rhythmic patterns like “Aditala” or “Rupakatala.”
Kolatam
- Kolatam, also known as the stick dance, is one of the most popular dance forms in Andhra Pradesh, also referred to as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu.
- Typically performed in rural settings during village festivals, Kolatam is a vibrant blend of rhythmic movements, songs, and music, offering a captivating performance.
- Similar dance forms are recognized in other regions, such as Dandiya Ras in Gujarat and Garbha in Rajasthan.
- The Kolatam group typically consists of 8 to 40 dancers, who perform in pairs. The striking of sticks provides the primary rhythm for the dance.
- During the performance, dancers are organized into two circles: the inner circle receives the stick strikes, while the outer circle delivers them, creating an engaging and rhythmic display.
- Kolatam is enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike, offering a lively source of entertainment.
- In Prakasam district, the dance is also referred to as Kolanna, showing regional variations.
- Other regional dances such as Gobbi, Madhuri, Chari, and Kumi contribute to the cultural richness of the area.
Lambadi
- The Lambadi dance is deeply connected with the daily tasks of the Banjara community, including activities like harvesting, planting, and sowing.
- This dance form is performed by the Banjaras, a semi-nomadic tribe widely found across Andhra Pradesh.
- Known for its vibrant and lively nature, the Lambadi dance reflects the joyous aspects of the Banjara tribe’s everyday life.
- Dancers are adorned in colorful costumes embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, along with ornate jewelry, ivory bangles, and brass anklets, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich presentation.
- The dance serves as a celebration, often taking center stage at many festivals and special occasions in the region.
- With its natural rhythm, the Lambadi dance is not only an artistic expression but also a reflection of the traditional lifestyle of the Banjara tribe.
Tappeta Gullu
- Popular in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram Districts, this devotional dance serves as a powerful invocation to the Rain God.
- The dance is characterized by its vigor, rhythm, and tempo, making it both captivating and energetic.
- It is performed during festivals, with 15 to 20 artists actively participating, adding to the vibrant energy.
- Performers wear drums around their necks, producing mesmerizing beats that enhance the cultural significance of the dance.
- The dance also incorporates acrobatic moves, showcasing the physical prowess and skill of the performers.
- Blending devotional fervor, rhythmic beats, and acrobatic displays, this traditional dance is a distinctive and engaging feature of the cultural landscape in these districts.
Butta Bommalu
- Butta Bommalu is a distinctive folk dance that has gained popularity in Tanuku, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
- The name “Butta Bommalu” translates to “basket toys,” which are crafted from wood husk, dry grass, and cow dung, reflecting the creativity and resourcefulness of local artisans.
- Each dancer in Butta Bommalu adorns a unique mask over their head and shoulders, enhancing the expressive range of the performance and adding a visual element to their movements.
- The dance is accompanied by a non-verbal rhythm, contributing to the vibrant and colorful nature of the performance.
- Butta Bommalu is not only a form of entertainment but also a testament to the cultural richness and artistic traditions of the region.
Conclusion
Learning about “Major Folk Dances in India” is important to understand India’s art and culture. It is also helpful for competitive exams, as they often ask about different dance forms and the states they come from.
These exams focus on the details of these dances. In this post, we talked about the Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh. In future posts, we will cover the folk dances of each state one by one. Knowing these details will help anyone preparing for exams that test knowledge of India’s cultural traditions.
