Puja Kunitha

Puja Kunitha is a popular ritualistic folk dance of Karnataka practiced largely around Bangalore and Mandya districts. It is extremely colorful and visually delightful. Visual splendor is emphasized at the expense of elaborate oral narration. Puja Kunitha in Karnataka is ritually used to worship the cult of the Shakti. Karnataka's Puja Kunitha is an important part of the Kunitha tradition of the state which literally means ritualistic folk dances.

The primary ruling deity for the Puja Kunitha of Karnataka is the goddess Shakti in her various forms of incarnation. It forms an integral part of all religious ceremonies, particularly those related to the worship of Shakti. They are performed profusely in religious processions, fairs and festivals. With its pomp and elegance, it creates an aura of high spirituality among the performers and the spectators. Despite the distinct religious overtones of the performance, Puja Kunitha of Karnataka enjoys wide appreciation because of its grace and colorfulness.

Puja Kunitha at Karnataka is distinctive in its use of bamboo poles which are extremely well decorated with colors and clothes of different hues. They are rhythmically swayed in time with the music. Moreover, elaborate wooden structures are placed on the heads of the dancers which carry the deities to whom the dances are dedicated. The characteristic gentle swaying rhythm of the dance are performed to the accompaniment of traditional music produced by various musical instruments. The dance does not employ a great degree of oral participation through songs. But the visual mode of communication is so strong that the spectators are quick to grasp the meaning and the degree of intense devotion communicated by the dancers.