Kolattam is an art form of Andhra Pradesh played with sticks. In Sanskrit, it is referred to as Hallisaka and Dandarasaka. In ancient days females dancers played Kolatam in temple halls as an offering to the Lord. But now it has evolved as a folk art form that is performed by male dancers. Kolattam is generally performed by a group of dancers comprising of twenty to forty performers or the minimum of eight members. The number of dancers are always in even numbers led by a leader.
The leader of the group controls the troupe and is known as Pennuddi or Kolanna Pantulu or Garuva. A couple of players is called Uddi, among the two one is called Rama and the next one is known as Lakshmana. Kolattam begins with the formation of a big circle consisting of all the members of the troupe, which later splits into two, one within the other. The leader of the troupe of Kolattam is accompanied by the Mridangam, flute, harmonium and cymbal players, who stand in the middle of the internal circle. Each performer holds up two sticks one in each hand that are decorated with colored strings or bells at its end.
The various steps that are included in Kolattam is called Kopulu. 50 types of kopulu are commonly used in this folk dance. When the leader signals, pairs of dancers in the circle start moving offering a prayer to Lord Ganesha. Then a song is begun by the leader by crying out the rhythm of Etlugada. Different verses and beats are used in the songs including prayers, duets, or tales expressing Bhakti, Sringara, Karuna and Virarasa.
