Dollu Kunita is performed mainly by people of Goravas, Naayakaru, Deevaaru sects in the rural regions of Bangalore, Bijapur, Belagam, Tumkur, and Chikkamangalur .
There are different forms of this kunita - kudure kunita, Kolu Kunita, Saru kunita , Hucchellu badita , Kai barike, Ondi hejje- Yeradu hejje kunita , Jodu sali and Jaggina Kai. It is also called ‘Gandu Kale’ as only male dancers participate in this dance.
Dollu is a big drum-like instrument that the dancers wear while performing this dance. They beat the right side of the drum with a stick and the left side with bare hands. While performing the dancers hop, jump and somersault, hold jars with water in their mouth and dance without spiling a drop of it. The dancers also dance with their co-artists or children on their shoulders and yet not miss the beats. Overall, they entertain the crowds with their steps and formations according to the increasing and decreasing beats of Dollu.
