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Pooja Kunita
A Sacred Spectacle of Devotion & Dance
Performers
Pooja Kunita is a moving act of devotion where acrobatics meet ritual, and every step carries a prayer. Rooted in the folk traditions of Mandya, this vibrant performance is a celebration of spiritual connection, ancestral memory, and communal joy.
Presented by Sri Vinayaka Yuvakara Kala Balaga and led by K.B. Swamy, the 60-minute experience invites audiences into a mesmerising journey from its richly symbolic beginnings to its breathtaking finale. A traditional Sutradar sets the stage, guiding us through the hallowed history, cultural context, and ceremonial gestures that shape this living art form.
As sacred chants rise and prayer frames are adorned, the performance builds with the pulse of the traditional rhythms of the Tamte, Tarsi and Nagarai. In a truly immersive experience, the audience will be taught hejjes (traditional dance steps) before the final performance.
In a culmination of prayer and performance, this event offers a unique chance to connect with a living tradition.
This is the fourth performance of our series BIC Jaanapada.
BIC Jaanapada is a bi-monthly (once in two months) series celebrating Karnataka’s folk traditions through the lens of regional identity and cultural preservation. Curated in collaboration with Tvarita Arts Collective India, the program combines scholarly discourse with live performances to explore the deep connections between geography and artistic expression. Through demonstrations, performances, and academic discussions, each session examines how landscape and local culture have shaped these distinct artistic practices.
In collaboration with:
Performers
Sri Vinayaka Yuvakara Kala Balaga
Sri Vinayaka Yuvakara Kala Balaga, Mandya, led by the renowned folk artist K.B. Swamy, proudly promotes Karnataka’s rich traditional art forms such as Pooja Kunita, Dollu Kunita, Kolata, and Donne Varase. Trained by his esteemed mentors Tamate Borayya and Tubi Ninganna, K.B. Swamy has dedicated himself to preserving and teaching these art forms to the younger generation.
The group has showcased their vibrant performances across India, including prestigious events like Mysuru Dasara, Kodagu Utsava, Karnataka Rajyotsava, and the National Games. K.B. Swamy is especially celebrated for his extraordinary Pooja Kunita, where he carries 50 kilos during the Maramma and Kalaamma performances, executing impressive acrobatics with strength and grace.
His exceptional contributions to Karnataka’s folk arts have been honored by the Department of Kannada and Culture and several other organizations, recognizing his invaluable role in keeping these traditions alive.
