• Know about how the folk festivals of Suggi Kunita, Jaggalige Mela, Kombu-Kahale are celebrated in Karnataka and their respect for flora and fauna.

In our country, our vibrant society and culture boast different dance forms. Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam of South India, Odissi of Odisha, Rasleela of Manipur, Sattariya of Assam, Kathak, etc. are some dance forms that proudly reflect regional cultures. Many acclaimed artists have promoted the classical dances— Rukminidevi and Dr. Padma Subramanyam of Bharatanatyam; Birju Maharaj, Gopi Krishna, Manjari Chaturvedi of Kathak; Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair of Kathakali. There is also a Bharatanatyam format called Mysore Baani patronised by the rulers of the then princely state of Mysore and practised by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. K. Venkatalakshamma. 

This article was first published in the Bhavan Journal.

Apart from these traditional dance forms, we have janapada dances that enrich our culture. Janapada dances of Karnataka demonstrate how the people praise the gods and enjoy life through dance. Dollu Kunita, Kamsale, Yakshagana, Somana Kunita, Suggi Kunita, Karadi Kunita, Lavani, Krishna Parijaata of North Karnataka, Huttari Dance and Bolak Ath of the Coorg region, Bhootaradhane of South Canara region are in existence even today. Formerly, these janapada dances were performed at night till dawn as the farmers used to be busy with their farming all through the day and this would refresh them after their hard work. Some of the Janapada dances are Pattada Kunita, Suggi Kunita, Poorvantika, Jaggalige, Nagari Kunita, Jade Kolata and many more.

Suggi Kunita

The festival of Suggi revolves around performing puja to the new crop during the harvest season. It is celebrated by offering puja to the grama devatas of the particular region.

There is a mythological story behind Suggi Kunita. Once in Kailasa, Gange and Gowri wanted their children to learn an art form. The children rejected many as they were practised by ordinary people. However, they were interested to learn Suggi Kunita. When they presented the same in front of Lord Shiva, he was not satisfied and cursed them. The ornamental sticks held by the children fell down, one of which was picked by a boy of Halakki tribe.

Now, the dancers observe certain conditions such as renouncing non-vegetarian food during this period and preserving the greenery of the surroundings. This tradition is still in vogue says the present day artistes.

Performance of Suggi Mela

The village head worships all the dance equipment like the different drums, bugles and trumpets, the ornamental sticks, etc. He distributes auspicious black rice among the performers who knot them to their waists. Later, they reach main arena called Karikana which is about 3 m high. All the instruments are hung on a pillar installed there. This is called Suragi Kambha.

This act is performed in the beginning of harvest season which goes on for about two weeks. During this period, the performers strictly avoid non-vegetarian food.

The dresses used by these artistes are colourful with headgear made of multicoloured papers which are artistically ornamented. They wear brightly coloured sarees coming down to the ankles and bright yellow kurtas. Along with these artistes, there are also men wearing masks—such as a bear, Hanuman, policeman and thief—and also of various saints from the Puranas.

The artistes dance to the tune of the janapada songs holding long decorated sticks. It is a rhythmic and visual spectacle.  

Jaggalige Mela

Jaggalige is a flat, circular percussion instrument, the size of a large wooden cartwheel. This is a special instrument particular to the North Kanara region. The recent interest in the Mela and the instrument is due to sustained research by a group of enthusiasts in Hampi Kannada University.

Jaggalige also means a large drum (Ranahalage). This name is suited to this instrument because of its size, opine researchers. It has a diameter of about four to five feet. The wheel is aptly fitted with tanned buffalo leather and its face is etched with colourful sketches. Because of its size this cannot be played like other percussion instruments. While rolling it in one hand, the artistes beat the drum with a stick with the other hand. This is complemented by nearly 20 artistes joining in with other instruments. Every artist is colourfully attired in traditional rustic dhoti, a waist band and upper garment.

It is understood that this form of art is restricted to Dharwar district of Karnataka. Because of the size of the instrument, the artistes cannot execute any dance steps. According to researchers, this is similar to ‘Alavi’ and ‘Hejje Kunita’ of that region. 

In Karnataka, there are many types of percussion folk instruments. There is a demand for Jaggalige, because of its rarity.

Kombu-Kahale

This is a bugle which is common in many parts of our country. Any village festival is heralded by the playing of the bugle. In South Canara region, a sect called Nalike use this instrument during Kambala, the buffalo race, a popular event in the region.

The instrument is very popular and has a mythical origin—from Sri Krishna’s conch Panchajanya in the Mahabharata. During wars, the King was accompanied on the battlefield with the playing of the bugle. This is repeated when he comes back victorious. A guard standing atop the fort sounds the bugle which alerts the royal army about invasions. Earlier during marriage or any other auspicious programmes, the sound of the bugle was compulsory. The practice is still continued in temples.

The artistes who play these instruments during the show wear traditional Dhoti and shirt along with a coat and a colourful turban. Most of them are farmers and participation in public events is out of passion and as a hobby. To play these instruments, they need to be physically and mentally strong. They have to play continuously for more than half an hour, while controlling their breath and maintaining rhythm. Generally, the bugles are made of brass and they are S-shaped. Two to three different sized bugles are played alternately. The sound produced is slightly different but equally melodious.

In this way, our janapada or folklore has fostered many such arts. Nobody knows the origin of the same. It has come down from generation to generation which can be seen even today. These traditions are symbols of our rich rural culture and tell us how we should respect our land, and its flora and fauna.

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal, January 1, 2025 issue. This article is courtesy and copyright Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. eSamskriti has obtained permission from Bhavan’s Journal to share. Do subscribe to the Bhavan’s Journal – it is very good.

To read all articles on Indian Dance Forms

Also read

1. Folk dances of Northeast India

2. Folk dances of North India

3. Folk dances of South India

4. Adivasi Dances

5. Folk dance forms of Odisha