“Highly energetic” is the ideal way to describe a dance form called Veeragase belonging to south India. This “highly intense” dance form has been developed in the state of Karnataka, and is mainly performed by the “Lingayat” community. It is during the Hindu months of “Shravana and Karthikeya” that this dance form is usually performed. In addition, this dance style has been named so, to honour an “avatar” of Lord Shiva called” Veerabhadra”. Furthermore, it is basically a group dance that involves about a minimum of two, and a maximum of six performers.
a. History/origin of the Veeragase:
This style was essentially developed to honour a Lord Shiva avatar Veerabhadra, by narrating a popular folklore linked to its birth through a dance performance. According to this legend, Goddess Sati the wife of Lord Shiva apparently committed suicide in the “yagna” performed by her father King Daksha because she was upset that he had not invited Shiva out of sheer egoism. The death of Sati enraged Shiva so much that he performed the cosmic dance called “Tandava”, and created an avatar called Veerabhadra. It was this avatar who then beheaded the king and extracted revenge. It was only after the wife of Daksha pleaded for mercy that Shiva/Veerabhadra relented and replaced Daksha’s head with that of a goat’s. It is thus, this mythological story that is basically expressed through this dance style called “Veeragase”.
b. Costumes used in the Veeragase:
This dance form traditionally is performed by males only, and the costume worn include a bright red colour dress, a headgear, a necklace carved out from Rudraksha beads, a belt worn around the hip which is referred to as “Rudra Muke”, an ornament worn around neck called “Nagabharana” which closely resembles a snake, and a pair of anklets. In addition, a performer also carries wooden plaque of Veerabhadra in the left hand and a sword in the right hand. In terms of makeup, the performer applies what is referred to as “Vibhooti” (i.e. sacred ash) on his forehead, ears, and eyebrows respectively.
c. Music involved in the Veeragase:
The music produced for this dance style includes the use of traditional percussion instruments such as the “sambal” and “dimmu”. Other instruments also commonly used include Cymbals, shennai, karadi, and chamala.
d. Training availability and dance technique involved in the Veeragase:
This dance style basically involves about two to six performers out of which one of them is the “lead singer”. In terms of technique, this dance form involves extremely vigorous body movements, and as a result is considered to be “energy draining”. Since this style of dancing is essentially practiced and performed mainly by a community called “Lingayat” there are not many training schools/centres available neither in the state nor in the country.