As many as 600 women artistes will present all major folk forms of Karnataka for three days starting Tuesday. What makes the event special is that many of them are forms traditionally performed only by men.
Marali Janapadakke (back to folklore) on the premises of Ravindra Kalakshetra on Tuesday will have women performing not only Sobane (sung during auspicious occasions like weddings), but also performing Veeragaase and Karadi Majalu rarely performed by women.
According to Pichalli Srinivas, chairperson, Karnataka Janapada Academy, it is an attempt to attract young women to the rich folk art traditions, some of which are on the verge of extinction. All performers are trained by the academy and this will also empower women economically, he said, considering the demand for folk artistes in even events like IPL.
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He said ₹ 1.30 crore had been spent on the project. Folk experts, including Padma Shri award recipient Sukri Bomma Gowda, have trained them. Workshops were conducted in five revenue divisions. “All artists will be given folk instruments and costumes to help them perform on their own in future,” Mr. Pichalli said.
“Young girls are now beating Tasharam Dolu , a drum women traditionally were not allowed to touch,” said Mr. Pichalli. Other forms to be displayed include Puravantike, Halakki Suggi, Veeramakkala Kunita, Koragara Dolu, Mulluhejje Kunita, Nandi Dhwaja Kunita, and others.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the three-day programme.
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