Muharram an occasion to remember the martyrs of Islam, is a day of inter-faith unity in rural areas. In several villages, Hindus join Muslims in observing the event. It is even observed entirely by Hindus in some villages where there are no Muslim families. Rituals in various villages tend to differ, though there is a pattern behind the practices. People gather in Dargahs to worship Moula Ali, Bibi Fatima and other peers. Prayers are offered to local saints and in some villages, rituals last for three days.
People take out ‘Bagh Savaris’ or rallies parading tiger symbols. In some places, youth dress up as tigers and dance to the tune of drums. Women gather at dargahs or platforms where peers are placed and sing Muharram songs. Also known as Rivayat, these Muharram songs are rendered in Kannada language and are also associated with the historical Karbala Battle, with specific reference to the regions of Karnataka in India.
Togalu Gombeyatta -Shadow Puppet Theatre Traditions of India
Togalu Gombeyatta KarnatakaThere are six shadow puppet theatre traditions across different regions in India, which are locally known as: Chamadyacha Bahulya in Maharashtra, Tolu Bommalatta in Andhra Pradesh, Togalu Gombeyatta in Karnataka, Tolu Bommalattam in Tamil Nadu, Tolpava Kuthu in Kerala and Ravanchhaya in Orissa. Though these forms have distinct regional identities, languages and dialects in which they are performed, they share a common worldview, aesthetics and themes.
The narratives are mainly based on the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Puranas, local myths and tales. They communicate significant messages to the rural community besides entertainment. The performance begins with an invocation on a ritually set up stage in a village square or a temple courtyard. Stock characters provide comic relief.
A sense of rhythm and dance is inherent in all the traditions, across regions. The puppets are crafted from either goat or deer skin. They are manipulated from behind the screen, where lighting is provided to cast shadows. Puppet performances are a part of festivals, celebrations of special occasions and rituals, and sometimes staged to ward off evil spirits and to invoke the rain gods in times of drought in rural areas.
Moodalapaya Yakshagana
Moodalapaya Yakshagana KarnatakaThe Moodalapaya Yakshagana is folk theatre of Karnataka. It uses songs, music, acting, dancing, costume and facial masks for its performance. While the form that is found in the coastal regions is called as the Paduvalapaya Yakshagana, the Yakshagana that is performed in the plains is called as Moodalapaya Yakshagana. At one time, the Moodalapaya Yakshagana would be found and spread across fourteen districts of Karnataka. But as time passed, it started fading out because of non-encouragement and lack of patronage. At present is is only performed in some parts like Tumkur, Mandya, Bangalore rural districts.