Dollu Kunitha: The Spectacular Ritualistic Dance Of Halumatha Kurubas Of Karnataka

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Dollu Kunitha, similar to The Pata Kunitha, the Gorava Kunitha and the Kamsale ritualistic dances, originates from rituals of Kuruba Gowda community of North Karnataka. This high energy folk dance, is a popular show during major temple festivals, cultural events and celebrations and depicts the worship of Lord Shiva who is otherwise known as Beeralingeshwara in this side of Karnataka. Dollu Kunithâ is an indispensable part of Karaga procession, Mysuru Dasara, Jambu Savari, Bengaluru Habba, and other rathayatras of deities in various temples. Popularly referred to as 'Gandu Kale', Dollu Kunitha is practiced widely in Bijapur, Belagam, Tumkur, Chikkamangalur and rural regions of Bangalore.

Dollu is reminiscent of Damaru of Lord Shiva who danced the fierce dance of Tandava that was symbolic of his unstoppable aggression. Shivas Damaru is made of the skin of demons whom he killed and to celebrate the occasion of demon slaying by Shiva, the Kuruba Devotees beat theri drums at a thunderously high decibel. Dollus can be found in all temples dedicated to Lord Beereshwara all across Karnataka. One can see Dollus hanging down from the ceiling of Beereshwara temples. When Lord Beereshwara is invoked through pujas, the Dollu beating goes on in the background. Kuruba Gowda community is also called Halumathastha community.

Ritualistic Worship:

Dollu Kunithâ comprises of a troupe of 10-12 drummers and even women are also allowed to participate in the Dollu Kunitha amongst the Kuruba Gowdas. Singing of loud devotional music accompanied with instruments reaches the peak of ecstasy as the drum beaters arrange themselves in a circular or semi-circular manner, beating their drums in perfect sync and rhythm.

This dance form needs a troupe of well-built performers with endurance and stamina to hold the heavy drums, move rigorously, in sync with the drumming beats in a supple and swift manner. The drum beats are controlled by a leader who holds the cymbal in the centre. The rhythms alternate between fast and slow tempo and in various patterns. This kunitha goes on for hours together. Recently lighter smaller drums have taken over the huge drums of the past and hence the spectators often jump in to participate and indulge themselves in moments of sheer rhythm and bliss. The costume for this dance is dhoti wearing which they sing out loud along with the background music of instruments all of which gives an orchestra feel to the dance performance. The performers are bare chested with a dhoti and a black sheet rug tied to the dhoti. Dollu sound is prominently heard amidst all songs and instrumentals and this is what entertains the audience the most.

Associated Legend

The ritual of prasad offering is continuously accompanied by the Dollu beating, The story of Dollasura is performed by the dancers. The Dolla demon swallows Lord Shiva soon after which Lord Shiva starts growing huge and demon, unable to withstand the pain, gives way as his stomach is torn apart by the Lord. Dollasuras skin was used by Lord Shiva to make the Dollu and the Dollu was handed over to the Shiva devotees. This story is narrated in a musical form that is set to a particular rhythm. This has been followed amongst the Kurubas for centuries and hence has taken a prime place of importance amongst their ritualistic practices.

Dollu dancers from Shimoga and Chitradurga are considered to be exponents of the Dollu tradition which elevates not only the drummers' spirits but also ensures their spiritual wellbeing.

Where Is It Performed

The literature for this oral tradition is found in 'Halumatha Purana' or Kuruba Purana. Dollu dance has gathered attention of masses and no religious ceremony can be conducted without the drumming by Dollu dancers in North Karnataka. Governmental authorities have used it innovatively to promote various government schemes and programs. Dollu dance is performed at the beginning of the harvest season, even during the birth of a child, at weddings or even at burials and funerals.