Gorava Kunitha

Gorava Kunitha is an unique form of ritualistic folk dance in Karnataka. This dance form is extremely revered among the Shaivite cults of Karnataka and is practiced in both the northern and the southern parts of the state with slight variations. However, the Gorava Kunitha performances in and around the districts of Mysore, Shimoga and Belgaum are the most popular. Gorava Kunitha in Karnataka is distinct from the other ritualistic dance forms or Kunithas of Karnataka.

Gorava Kunitha of Karnataka is typically performed by groups of 10 to 11 men. They usually belong to the singing tribe of the Goravas, who are strong worshipers of Lord Shiva. The Gorava fairs are usually venues for the performance of Gorava Kunitha at Karnataka. The participants are members of the Gorava clan.

There is no well defined form of Karnataka's Gorava Kunitha performance. The dancers are clad in rug dresses of black with white patches. They also wear black fur caps usually woven out of the fur of a bear. Damaru in hand, they get into a procession intoning mystic song. The songs come down from an age old oral tradition and are believed to be replete with deep mystic meanings. They are sung to the accompaniment of small bronze bells and flute-like blowing instruments. To the accompaniment of this extremely esoteric music, the dance takes place. The dance usually involves trance like movements. And the dancers do actually get into a trance like state in the middle of the performance. In its northern variant, the dancers smear their heads with yellow pastes. The distribution of prasadas to the gathering devotees after the performance is also not infrequent.