Andhra Pradesh

Dance & Music

Inhabited by many large tribes, Andhra Pradesh presents a rich wealth of traditional folk and tribal dances. Bathakamma, Gobbi, Mathuri, Dhamal, Dandaria, Dappu, Vadhyam are a few famous tribal dances. The dances of the banjaras and the Siddi tribes are also famous. Other dance forms of Andhra Pradesh include Veeranatyam, Butta Bommalu, Chindu Bhagawatam, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Bonalu, and Dhimsa. 'Tholubommalata', a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.

Dances of Andhra Pradesh

Dappu

The Dappu, a percussion instrument made of goat skin and wood, is a tambourine-like drum which when played with sticks creates a rhythm that’s softened only by the sound of ankle bells that the 16-20 dancers wear. Part of a Telangana custom which sees the Dappu dancers at the front of any procession, whether it be for Jataras, festivals or marriages, this is truly a celebration of dance in all its vibrancy. The present 'dappu' dancer still plays an important role during village festivals and village Panchayat.
 

 

Chindu Bhagawatham

The performers in colourful make up and costumes dance to the musical patterns set by cymbals, tabla and harmonium. This lively art form hails from Nizamabad district. Mythological themes are usually enacted and the audience is mostly rural. The applause and appreciation is however universal.

 

Tappeta Gullu

It is a folk dance in narrative form that combines devotion with entertainment. This is a devotional dance which invokes the Rain God with its vigour, rhythm and tempo.  This dance involves 15 – 30 dancers with drums slung around their necks creating a mesmerising beat and performing heart stopping acrobatics. With rhythmic beat of the drum, the performers sing and dance to enchant the villagers. It is famous in Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh.

 

Veeranatyam

Veera Natyam is one of the popular dance forms of Andhra Pradesh .Sati Devi, Shiva's first wife was outraged and humiliated and Lord Shiva was angered at this. This dance form originally began as a ritual in honour of Lord Shiva and was performed in all the shaivite temples. The dance that he performed at this outrage is called Veeranatyam. He picked a lock out of his Jata-Jhuta (hair) and created Veerabadhra. The dancers dress themselves in colourful dhotis tied upto the knees and dattis (a piece of cloth tied around the waist). This vigorous dance is perform by with instruments like Thambura, Soolam, Dolu, Thasha and Veernam .The dance is performed to the rhythm of the beating of drums. The dancers display their skills in long steps and dexterous hand movements. There is a legend attached to the origin of Veeranatyam. According to it, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was not invited to the sacrificial ritual performed by his father-in-law, Daksha.

Butta Bommalu

This dance is also known as " The Dance of Masks" is a typical folk dance form, popular in West Godavari (Tanuku) district of Andhra Pradesh. This dance ( Butta Bommalu) which means basket toys. It is made of wood husk, dry grass and cow dung. Different type of masks are wearied by each dancer over the head and shoulders enlarging the scope of the performer and dances to a nonverbal rhythm which adds colour to the movements.

 

Lambadi

This dance is performed by the Banjaras, a semi-nomadic tribe seen all over Andhra Pradesh.  Lambadi dance is associate with daily tasks like harvesting, planting, sowing, etc.  Costumes embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, ornate jewellery, ivory bangles, brass anklets and a natural rhythm makes this dance a colourful exposition of joy which is the highlight of many an occasion.

Bonalu

The folk festival of Bonalu in the Telangana region brings with it a celebration of colourfully dressed female dancers balancing pots (Bonalu), stepping to the rhythmic beats and tunes in praise of the village deity Mahankali. Male dancers called Potharajus follow the female dancers to the temple lashing whips and emerald margosa leaves tied around their waists adding colour to the roaring trumpets and pulsating percussion.
 

Dhimsa

Generally performed in the local fairs and festivals in Visakhapatnam district, this tribal dance form sees 15-20 women forming a chain and dancing in praise of the local deity. Women attired in typical tribal dresses and ornaments dance to the beats. Instruments like Mori, Thuduma and Dappu are played by the members.