Kolata is a beautiful folk art form which typically originated in Karnataka. It is not merely dance, as the artists sing along while they perform the dance! The fact that they do both simultaneously evidently shows their skills and passion towards the art form. Back in the Dwaapara Yuga, itseems the yadavas danced kolata and expressed their immense joy when little Sri Krishna was born. Historians have set forth another theory that Kolattam (similar to kolata with minor tweaks) began in the 7th century. Basvaasur, a demon created unnecessary panic among the people.

 

Basvaasur was an uncontrollable Raakshas (demon). But at that time, a group of witty young girls decided to change him. One fine day, they performed Kolata in a very mesmerising way infront of him. Basvaasur got so lost in the dance form that he quit all his evil practices. According to Hindu mythology, Basvaasur was another form of Lord Shiva. (‘Basva' means bull) Since then, the art form is famous in various parts of South India like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka's Hampi. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

In some parts of south india, a festival of kolattam/ kolata is also performed. Every year, it begins in October/ November's Amaavasya (no moon day) and ends on the day of Poornima (full moon day). Where 'Basva' (Shiva's bull) is the main deity. It's predominantly celebrated in the villages of South India. The girls in the village take bath in a river, wear new clothes and go to the place where they've established an idol of Basva. They then perform Kolata and do Pooja. 'Kolata' comprises of two words. 'Kolu' which means 'stick' and 'aata' which means 'dramatic play'. 8-10 people perform the dance, these numbers are always even as they usually dance in pairs. One pair is called one 'Uddi'. There are two forms of Kolata. One where both men and women perform with coloured sticks. The second where only men perform with severe steps. Men wear Bylu Seeme's Kacche Panche, a topi (cap), anklets, a Dhoti and a cloth tied to their waist; and women wear colourful Kacche Sarees. Since it's performed with sticks, it is also called 'stick dance'. The quality of the sticks matter.

Thick and hard sticks are usually preferred to sustain the rigorous act. In Uttar Karnataka (north karnataka), instruments like maddale, dapppu, kanchina taala, tabla, dhakke are used to add in more spice to the art form. Whereas, in Dakshina Kannada (southern part), the noise of the sticks itself is the taala for the song they sing. The North Indian counter part of Kolata is Dhandiya. Even this is an art form which involves dancing with sticks. It originated in Gujarat and is quite popular when compared to South India's Kolata.

Dandiya has received more recognition as it is publicly performed in large festive events at Gujarat and Mewar (Rajasthan). But not everyone in South India know about Kolata. This might be due to the vast folk diversity here. But, I think it's our duty to acknowledge it's importance and keep it alive. Just like anything else auspicious in India, even Kolata begins with Ganesha Stuti (prayer to Lord Ganesha). Then, the artists stand around the sticks with devotion and pay respect to them. They pray to the gurus who taught them the art form, pick up the sticks and begin the dance with slow beats in the beginning. The leader of the group gives the introduction, and one Uddi (pair) comes up and begin the grand performance. They express Shrungaar, Hasya, Veera and many more rasas, vocally singing authentic poetic verses. They perform mythological and historical prayers, stories, duets and dramas.

It is mandatory to worship their gurus before they begin the performance.This practice of gratitude shows the holiness in Indian culture. These are rare, deep values which must be identified and embraced. According to me, Guru Bhakthi is Shishya's Shakthi. These folk art forms preach such intense values, and that is why they need to be taught, learnt and passed on! Sutkolu, Daatkolu, Saalu Kolu, Malkina Kolu, Muruvayyana kolu, Rangoli kolu, Vastra kolu, Sobane kolu, Uyyale kolu, Harugolu, Chakkegolu, Jade kolata are some of the 50 types of Kolata. Unity in diversity indeed! Different Kolatas are performed differently with changes in the way of performance. For eg, in jade kolata (jade - plait) people jumble themselves using long scarves. And the jumbling forms a long beautiful plait with which they play further. 'Cheluvayya Cheluvo Tani Tandana', 'Kolu kolanna kolu kole', 'Indara Gandhi kondavanna', 'Belisalagonda kare beeja' etc are some famous songs which are vocally sung along with the dance. They are performed on ocassions like Ugadi, Kannada Rajyotsava and in The Mysore Dasara.

I think folk culture is also explicitly unique as they have a very distinct way of conveying moral messages from previous generations. Folk dances are a way of life, they give us a glimpse of the similarities and differences of lifestyles, traditions and rituals of the past. When you go to the tribes, they live in a way where their lifestyle screams "I respect nature". That's the beauty of it. Kolata does not use complicated props, it's just sticks that we use. It is simple, yet so deep and diverse. Another insight I would like to share is about the inclusiveness in this culture. People of all ages learn, practice, perform and embrace this art form. To this day, my grandma and her cousins pick up sticks and dance Kolata in our family occasions. These art forms are skills which are passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years now. But, a lot of folk songs are either forgotten or in the process of being forgotten. We have access to such divine art forms right now. If we ignore it more, our future generations will have nothing to enjoy or learn from. It's not merely dance or songs that this art form upholds, it’s the numerous profound values which people need to be aware of.

As a responsible society, we must understand that no one will carry forward our knowledge if we don't. It's high time we realise the value of forgotten culture. Let us pass on the knowledge of such art forms and enhance the essence of our culture. Love your roots.

-Chinmayi Shastry R