Dollu
Kunitha is one of the prominent folk dances of Karnataka. Despite being
an entertaining art form, Dollu Kunitha dance is steeped in religious
connotations. This folk dance is centered on the deity of Beereshwara or
Beeralingeswara, chiefly worshipped by the Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh.As the name suggests, Dollu Kunitha is essentially a drum dance with singings accompanied by the resounding melody of Dollu or drums. The robust nature of this dance produces an extravagant spectacle, with performers enacting their respective roles with seamless ease. Thus Dolu Kunitha dance requires the performers to be well-built men, high on strength and stamina.
This folk dance is a synthesis of entertainment and spirituality and figures prominently during the worship of Beereshwara. One can see the instrument of Dollu being hung from the ceiling of most temples of Beereshwara. Whenever puja is offered to invoke the deity of Beereshwara, the rituals are complemented with the beating of Dollu.
Over the years the folk dance of Dollu Kunitha has been a major attraction of village festivals or religious ceremonies in the villages of North Karnataka.
