<p class="bodytext">A vibrant folk dance from Karnataka is on display at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on Friday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Originating from Karnataka’s Old Mysore region, Kamsale is a devotional dance dedicated to Lord Shiva. Traditionally performed by the Kuruba community, the dance features men dressed in orange and white, rhythmically striking a pair of brass cymbal-like instruments, chanting, and moving in unison. Accompanying musicians sing songs in praise of Shiva.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This is the second performance in the ‘BIC Jaanapada’ series, which promotes Karnataka’s folk traditions.</p>.Pole dancing a hit in Bengaluru.<p class="bodytext">Priyanka K Mohan, cofounder of Tvarita Arts Collective India, which curates the bi-monthly series, shares, “Shiva temples are often located on hilltops. In earlier times, devotees risked encounters with wild animals on their way to these temples at night. To ward them off, they would chant loudly and invoke Shiva. Over time, singing and storytelling became part of the ritual. Now, it has evolved to feature acrobatics too.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 90-minute event will begin with Hidayath A, the sutradhar (narrator), introducing the elements of Kamsale — its movements, instruments, costumes, and traditions — in both English and Kannada. This will be followed by an interaction with members of the Ranga Charaka troupe and then a live dance performance.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Kamsale is performed during processions and fairs, but usually only briefly. We wanted to showcase it on a stage where urban audiences could engage with the art form more deeply,” Priyanka adds.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><span class="italic"> ‘Kamsale’, April 11, 6.30 pm–8 pm, Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Entry free. RSVP at bangaloreinternationalcentre.org</span></p>
<p class="bodytext">A vibrant folk dance from Karnataka is on display at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on Friday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Originating from Karnataka’s Old Mysore region, Kamsale is a devotional dance dedicated to Lord Shiva. Traditionally performed by the Kuruba community, the dance features men dressed in orange and white, rhythmically striking a pair of brass cymbal-like instruments, chanting, and moving in unison. Accompanying musicians sing songs in praise of Shiva.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This is the second performance in the ‘BIC Jaanapada’ series, which promotes Karnataka’s folk traditions.</p>.Pole dancing a hit in Bengaluru.<p class="bodytext">Priyanka K Mohan, cofounder of Tvarita Arts Collective India, which curates the bi-monthly series, shares, “Shiva temples are often located on hilltops. In earlier times, devotees risked encounters with wild animals on their way to these temples at night. To ward them off, they would chant loudly and invoke Shiva. Over time, singing and storytelling became part of the ritual. Now, it has evolved to feature acrobatics too.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The 90-minute event will begin with Hidayath A, the sutradhar (narrator), introducing the elements of Kamsale — its movements, instruments, costumes, and traditions — in both English and Kannada. This will be followed by an interaction with members of the Ranga Charaka troupe and then a live dance performance.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Kamsale is performed during processions and fairs, but usually only briefly. We wanted to showcase it on a stage where urban audiences could engage with the art form more deeply,” Priyanka adds.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><span class="italic"> ‘Kamsale’, April 11, 6.30 pm–8 pm, Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Entry free. RSVP at bangaloreinternationalcentre.org</span></p>