According to Karnataka Tourism's tagline, Karnataka is one state, many worlds. And we firmly believe this is true. No other state in India boasts this much diversity when it comes to nature, its people, food, and everything in between. The art and culture of Karnataka are steeped in centuries of history and there's plenty to explore. In no way is this an exhaustive list, but instead this is your starter guide to understanding the vibrant art and cultural forms of Karnataka.
Yakshagana To Channapatna Toys: Explore Karnataka's Rich Art & Culture
Carnatic Music
Karnataka lends its name to Carnatic music, one of the two main subgenres of Indian classical music and perhaps South India's most prevalent music style. The music is performed by a small ensemble of musicians and most of the songs are devotional in nature. The performance usually has a vocalist, along with rhythm accompaniment in the form of mridangam, and a tambura. Several Carnatic music performances happen all through the year and you can check out websites like BookMyShow to catch a performance.
Yakshagana
Perhaps one of the most popular art forms in Karnataka, Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance that is practised, taught, and performed in coastal Karnataka. The folk dance involves around 20 members and a Bhagavatha or the storyteller who narrates the performance to the audience. The folk dance is known for its loud singing, drumming, and elaborate costumes including striking headgear and make-up. Yakshagana means celestial music in Kannada. Places like Udupi are major centres for Yakshagana and the Yakshagana Kendra in Udupi teaches the art form to folks of all ages.
Bhootha Aradhane
If you haven't watched Rishab Shetty's Kantara, we highly recommend you do. Rishab's character is Buta Kola or Daiva Kola performer and Bhoota Aradhane is part of it. Bhootha Aradhane or deity worship is performed in Tulunadu and the coastal parts of the state. The dance form involves a performer who's believed to be possessed temporarily by a deity such as Panjurli (a popular god worshipped for Bhootha Aradhane) and speaks the words of god. The performance is highlighted by the fierce and aggressive dancing styles with regular interaction with the audience and devotees. There are drums and music that accompany the performance.
Channapatna Toys
The traditional craft form is a GI-tagged craft that originates from the Channapatna town in Ramanagara district. The craft form features plenty of wooden toys and dolls that involve lacquering the wood which is colloquially called Aale mara or ivory-wood. Tipu Sultan promoted the toys during his time. You can make a day trip to Channapatna and visit many of the factories that make these products. Varnam Craft Collective in Indiranagar is where you can buy not just toys but also home decor and dining options.
Mysore Painting
Evolved during the Vijayanagara Empire period, Mysore Painting is an important classical South Indian painting style along with Tanjore Paintings. These Mystore paintings are known for their intricate detailing, muted colours, and Hindu mythological themes. When you take a look at these paintings you'll be able to see these really intricate brush strokes. The gesso work or gold covering is an important style in Mysore Painting. Places such as Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bangalore and Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapatna are where you can see the best of Mysore Paintings.
