Folk and Tribal Culture of Andhra Pradesh

Tribal and Folk Festivals

Sammakka, Saralamma Jatara at Medaram in Warangal

Medaram is a small village in the forest area of the Mulugu taluk of Warangal district. Here Sammakka Jatara is celebrated once in two years on a very large scale for three days before Magha. Sammakka is a tribal goddess and the patrons and priests are Koyas. All the tribals of Mulugu area and the thousands of other Hindus congregate there during the celebrations. There is no permanent idol of the deity (Plate 46). A Koya tribal boy who gets a vision of the goddess anoint them in the form of vermilion caskets, one representing the main duty Sammakka and the other her daughter Sarakka both tied to a piece of bamboo. This is installed on an earthen platform raised under a tree. Animals are sacrificed and vows are redeemed, Intoxicants are widely used. Hundreds of people who are often possessed by the goddess come there dancing ecstatically throughout their journey. The special offering to the deity is jaggery which collects in huge piles. Those who fulfill vows offer jaggery equal to their weight and jaggery is distributed as prasadam.

Bonalu in Hyderabad and other places of Andhra Pradesh

It is the annual Ashada Jatara Festival held in the honour of Sri Ujjaini Mahakali in Hyderabad and other parts of Andhra Pradesh during which decorated pots known as ghatams are filled with neem leaves or flowers are installed in various important temples. This festival launched to Promote Cultural Tourism in the State for the past one decade.

folk and tribal music in andhra pradesh

Butta Bommalu

Butta Bommalu is a typical folk dance, popular in Tanuku region of West Godavari District in AP. In this particular dance, the dancers wear masks of different characters and entertain people with their delicate movements, accompanied by non verbal music.

Tappeta Gullu

Tappeta Gullu It is a devotional dance, which is popular in districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. Tappeta Gullu is a dance that has vigor, rhythm and tempo and is performed to invoke the Rain God. In this dance form, the artists hang drums around their necks and produce beats with movements.

Lambadi

Associated with Lambadi tribe, Lambadi dance is performed to celebrate a loaded harvest or a good sowing season. The dancers adorn themselves with heavy jewelry, like ivory bangles, brass anklets, ornate jewelry and costumes embroidered with glass beads.

Dhimsa

In the hilly region of Vishakhapatam district, Dhimsa dance is performed by people of every age group. This is a tribal dance that is performed during the months of Chaitra (March/April). To perform this dance, the artists dress in typical tribal dresses and ornaments.

Kolattam

Kolattam is the stick dance, which is quite similar to the Dandia dance of Gujarat. Also called as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu, this dance is usually performed during the festivals of village. Kolattam observes a great combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music.

Burra katha

Burra katha, also spelled burrakatha, is a storytelling technique used in villages of Andhra Pradesh .Burrakatha was started as devotional songs of nomadic people and became a popular art form. It is believed that this dance is evolved from traditional Tandana Katha; this dance art preaches, entertains and provides relaxation to the rural folk.

Dhamal Dance

Dhamal is one of the typical & ceremonial dance forms of Siddis of Hyderabad region. It is a mimetic martial dance performed by Siddis. They use swords and shields held in their hands while performing various steps involved in the dance. This dance is ceremonial in nature performed especially on the occasion of marriage. Many Musical instruments are used to accompany and make noises of `how wow`.

Siddis originally are from Africa continent and were brought in Andhra by the Hindu kings, in the middle of the 12th century to perform guard duties in their palaces. They were then favourite with the ruling classes as soldiers, sailors and personal bodyguards. As they were in great demand after realizing their better performance, they were brought from Africa and Abyssinia as slaves. Gradually, they were absorbed into the Indian culture, but their dances still have the flavour of the land of origin, in their special warlike movements. Their dances present a fascinating coordination of rhythmic body movement and colours in their exotic colorful costumes. The whole picture of dance is attention grabbing.

Mathuri Dance

The Mathuri dances are special tribal dances of the Mathuri tribes. These dances are performed during the rainy month of Shravana by the Mathuris living in Adilabad district of the Andhra.It is a dance in which men and Women folk participate together, women participants forming the inner circle and men the outer semi-circle. The dancers sing themselves devotional and secular songs at the time of dance. The men strike the small sticks and the women clap to mark the time. It is said that the Mathuri dances have a close resemblance to Rasa-Lila of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that the Mathuri tribe actually came from Mathura and therefore the dance is named accordingly.

Andhra Pradesh is a state in southern India with a rich and diverse culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and traditions. One of the most important aspects of Andhra Pradesh culture is the folk and tribal culture.

Andhra Pradesh Folk Music is a vibrant and lively tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. The music is often used to accompany dance and storytelling, and it plays an important role in religious ceremonies and festivals. Some of the most popular folk instruments in Andhra Pradesh include the veena, the mridangam, and the flute.

Andhra Pradesh folk dance is just as colorful and exciting as the music. The dances are often performed in groups, and they can be quite complex. Some of the most popular folk dances in Andhra Pradesh include the Kuchipudi, the Bhama Kalapam, and the Yakshagana/”>Yakshagana.

Andhra Pradesh folk art is another important aspect of the state’s culture. The art is often used to decorate homes and temples, and it can be quite intricate. Some of the most popular folk Art Forms in Andhra Pradesh include the Kalamkari, the Pichhwai, and the Madhubani.

Andhra Pradesh folk literature is a rich and varied tradition. The literature often reflects the state’s history and culture, and it can be quite beautiful. Some of the most popular folk literature forms in Andhra Pradesh include the ballads, the folktales, and the proverbs.

Andhra Pradesh folk festivals are a joyous and colorful affair. The festivals are often celebrated with music, dance, and food. Some of the most popular folk festivals in Andhra Pradesh include the Dasara, the Bonalu, and the Sankranti.

Andhra Pradesh tribal culture is just as rich and diverse as the state’s mainstream culture. The tribal people of Andhra Pradesh have their own unique customs and traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation. One of the most important aspects of tribal culture is the art. The tribal people of Andhra Pradesh are skilled artists, and they create beautiful works of art using a variety of materials.

Tribal art in Andhra Pradesh is often used to decorate homes and temples. The art can be quite intricate, and it often reflects the tribal people’s beliefs and values. Some of the most popular forms of tribal art in Andhra Pradesh include the woodcarving, the metalwork, and the Pottery.

Tribal music in Andhra Pradesh is just as vibrant and lively as the mainstream music. The music is often used to accompany dance and storytelling, and it plays an important role in religious ceremonies and festivals. Some of the most popular tribal instruments in Andhra Pradesh include the drum, the flute, and the stringed instruments.

Tribal dance in Andhra Pradesh is just as colorful and exciting as the mainstream dance. The dances are often performed in groups, and they can be quite complex. Some of the most popular tribal dances in Andhra Pradesh include the Kolatam, the Jhumka, and the Gidda.

Tribal festivals in Andhra Pradesh are a joyous and colorful affair. The festivals are often celebrated with music, dance, and food. Some of the most popular tribal festivals in Andhra Pradesh include the Bonalu, the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, and the Medaram Jatara.

The folk and tribal culture of Andhra Pradesh is a vibrant and living tradition. The culture is passed down from generation to generation, and it is an important part of the state’s identity. The folk and tribal culture of Andhra Pradesh is a rich and diverse tapestry, and it is a source of great pride for the people of the state.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about folk and tribal culture:

What is folk culture?
Folk culture is the traditional culture of a group of people, passed down through generations by word of mouth, music, dance, art, and other forms of expression. It is often passed down through families and communities, and can be very different from the mainstream culture of a country.
What is tribal culture?
Tribal culture is the culture of a group of people who live in a tribal Society. Tribal societies are typically small, close-knit communities with their own unique customs and traditions. Tribal culture is often passed down through oral history and storytelling, and can be very different from the mainstream culture of a country.
What are some examples of folk and tribal culture?
Some examples of folk and tribal culture include:
Music: Folk music is traditional music that is passed down through generations. It is often associated with a particular region or country, and can be very different from the mainstream music of a country.
Dance: Folk dance is traditional dance that is passed down through generations. It is often associated with a particular region or country, and can be very different from the mainstream dance of a country.
Art: Folk art is traditional art that is passed down through generations. It is often associated with a particular region or country, and can be very different from the mainstream art of a country.
Literature: Folk literature is traditional literature that is passed down through generations. It is often associated with a particular region or country, and can be very different from the mainstream literature of a country.
Religion: Folk religion is traditional religion that is passed down through generations. It is often associated with a particular region or country, and can be very different from the mainstream religion of a country.
What are the benefits of folk and tribal culture?
There are many benefits to folk and tribal culture. Folk and tribal culture can help to preserve a group of people’s unique identity and heritage. It can also provide a sense of community and belonging for people who identify with a particular folk or tribal group. Folk and tribal culture can also be a source of entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages.
What are the challenges facing folk and tribal culture?
There are many challenges facing folk and tribal culture. One challenge is the loss of traditional knowledge and practices. As people move away from rural areas and into cities, they often lose touch with their traditional culture. Another challenge is the impact of Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization. Globalization can lead to the spread of mainstream culture, which can sometimes overwhelm and replace traditional folk and tribal cultures.
What can be done to preserve folk and tribal culture?
There are many things that can be done to preserve folk and tribal culture. One thing that can be done is to raise awareness of the importance of folk and tribal culture. This can be done through Education and outreach programs. Another thing that can be done is to support traditional folk and tribal arts and crafts. This can be done by purchasing products from folk and tribal artists and craftspeople. Finally, it is important to respect and celebrate the diversity of folk and tribal cultures.

Which of the following is not a Folk Dance of Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Kuchipudi
(B) Bhangra
(C) Lambada
(D) Jhumar
Which of the following is not a tribal group of Andhra Pradesh?
(A) Gonds
(B) Reddis
(C) Lambadas
(D) Punjabis
The main language spoken in Andhra Pradesh is:
(A) Telugu
(B) Hindi
(C) English
(D) Tamil
The capital of Andhra Pradesh is:
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Vijayawada
(C) Visakhapatnam
(D) Amaravati
The main religion in Andhra Pradesh is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism
The main crops grown in Andhra Pradesh are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Sugarcane
(D) Cotton
The main industries in Andhra Pradesh are:
(A) Textiles
(B) Electronics
(C) Pharmaceuticals
(D) Automobiles
The main tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh are:
(A) The Charminar
(B) The Golconda Fort
(C) The Vizag Beach
(D) The Araku Valley
The famous poet from Andhra Pradesh is:
(A) Sri Sri
(B) B.R. Ambedkar
(C) J.C. Bose
(D) Rabindranath Tagore
The famous musician from Andhra Pradesh is:
(A) M.S. Subbulakshmi
(B) Ravi Shankar
(C) Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
(D) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan