In the region of Telangana, Kolatam is a different version of dandiya which is becoming extinct. Therefore, it is performed during festivals like Bathukamma for Holi and some other special occasions. The navaratrulu of Bathukamma is considered a special occasion for performing Kolatam as well as Dandiya. Everyone enjoys performing the dance: men, women and boys and girls as well.
Kolatam the Folk Dance:
The dance is also known as Kollannalu, Kolattam, and Kolannalu. this dance is a popular dance in Andhra Pradesh and it has originated in the 7th century.
The Kolatam includes songs, music, and dance and it is very rhythmic in nature. Both men and women participate in the dance mostly. The Kolatam is performed in villages.
Through the legends, it is known that there was a menacing demon known as Basavasurah and he was not able to be controlled and everyone was afraid of him. As the legend goes, a group of young girls went to Basvasurah one day and performed the Kolattam dance which appeased him a lot and he gave up his evil acts. According to Hindu mythology, Basavasurah is a personified form of Lord Shiva who is honored through the performance of Kolatam. ‘Basava’ means bull. It is one of the forms of Lord Shiva which is highly honored.
Costumes and Jewellery of Kolatam Dancers
Hallisaka the name given to the dancers of Kolatam. They were beautiful colorful costumes along with jewelry. The skirts they wear flow around the stage and make look very fantabulous.
Style of the Kolattam Dance
This dance includes body movement such as tilting footsteps. As the music begins, the dancers start dancing to the rhythm. Ethugadu, is the beginning part of the song. The speed of the dance known as usi and the ending of the dance is known Muktayimpu.
With the chant of Lord Ganesha, the music begins and the Kolatam starts. The men wear dhoti and kerchief for their neck and a white collar shirt with anklet bells. The women usually wear the yellow saree with red borders. The musical instruments which are used are Mridangam, Harmonium, and few times Clarinet.
Music in Kolattam
Kolatam is used to worship the temple goddess in most parts of Andhra Pradesh.The men in the performance play drums and don’t come on the stage. At first, the musical leader starts singing few lines of the prayer song and the chorus is led by the others. There is a good amount of balance seen between the actors and the singers on the stage which gives a good entertainnment to the audience.