Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh

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Andhra Pradesh has various forms of  Folk and Tribal dances.


Andhranatyam:

 

​It is a 2000-year old temple dance performed by ‘devadasis’ as a form of worship. ‘Agama Nartanam’, ‘Carnatakam’ and ‘Darbari Aatam’ are different forms of Andhranatyam. During the period of Hinayana Buddhism, this art form was practised as ‘Nruthyam’ or a form of worship to God.

 

 


Dappu Dance
:

 

This dance owes its name to the use of ‘dappu’, a percussion instrument.


Kolatam ​:

‘Kolatam’ or ‘Kol Kolannalu’ is a form of “stick dance” performed by men and women, which can be traced back to 7th century A.D. In the ‘Jada Kolatam’, a group of 16 to 18 dancers weave a plait, while playing on the sticks and making intricate movements.

 

Mayura Dance ​:

Mayura Dance is practised by the Kondh tribes during marriages and festivals.



Perini ​:

‘Perini Thandavam’ is a war dance performed by males. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this dance gained popularity under the rule of the Kakatiyas.



Puli Vesham
​:

‘Puli Vesham’ or the “Tiger Dance” is a popular folk dance form of Andhra Pradesh, which is performed in open-air during festivals.



Tappetagullu
​:

Tappetagullu is a festival dance performed dominantly by the ‘Yadava’ men, mainly in the north coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.


Veer Natyam ​:

Veer Natyam is performed to worship Veerbhadra. It is commonly performed in Draksharama, which is supposed to be the birthplace of Veerbhadra.

 

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