Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh

Veeranatyam - The Dance of the Brave

Lord Siva, outraged at the humiliation met by his consort, picked up a strand out of his Jata-Jhuta (hair) and created Veerabhadra.

The Veeramusti community which claims to be the descendant of Veerabhadra, performs this vigorous dance with instruments like Tambura, Soolam, Dolu, Tasha and Veeranam usually at Draksharamam in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, which is believed to be Dakshavatika, the birth place of Veerabhadra.

Butta bommalu - The Dance of the Masks

A typical folk dance form, popular in Tanuku of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, Butta Bommalu which literally means basket toys are made of woodhusk, dry grass and cow dung. Each dancer wears a different mask over the head and shoulders enlarging the scope of the performer and dances to a nonverbal rhythm which adds colour to the movements.

Dappu - The Dance of Percussion

Made of goatskin, a tambourine like drum is beaten with sticks creating a rhythm that is softened only by the 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 the percussive powers of dance.

Chindu Bhagawatham - The Dance of Colour and Costume

This lively art form hails from Nizamabad District. The performers in colourful make-up and even more colourful costumes dance to the musical patterns set by cymbals, tabla and a harmonium.

Mythological themes are usually enacted and the audience are the rurals.

Tappeta Gullu - The Dance of the Rain God

Popular in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram Districts, this is a devotional dance which invokes the Rain God with its vigour, rhythm and tempo.

Also performed during festivals, the dance sees 15-20 vibrant artists with drums around their necks creating mesmerising beats and heartstopping acrobatics.

Lambadi - The Dance of Nomads

Associated with daily tasks harvesting, planting, sowing etc., the Lambadi is performed by the Ganjaras, a seminomadic tribe seen all over Andhra Pradesh.

Costumes embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, ornate jewellery, ivory bangles, brass anklets and a natural rhythm make this dance a colourful exposition of joy which is the highlight of many a festive occasion.

Bonalu - The Dance of the Balancing Pots

The folk festival of Bonalu in the Telangana region brings with it celebrations which see the colourfully dressed female dancers balancing pots (Bonalu), step to the rhythmic beats and tunes in praise of the village deity Mahankali.

Male dancers called Potharajus precede the female dancers to the temple lashing whips and neem leaves adding colour to the festivity.

Dhimsa - The Dance of the Hills Tribes

Generally performed in the local fairs and festivals of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam District, this tribal dance 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 beat of instruments like Mori, Thudum and Dappu played by the male members.