Sphoorthi Theatre

ಯಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ತಾಯಿ ಉಧೋ.. ಉಧೋ... ತಹಸೀಲ್ದಾರ ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಪಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿ ಹೊತ್ತುಕೊಂಡು ಉತ್ಸವದ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಎದುರಿನ ಎರಡು ಬಾವಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನ ಹೊರ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಿಂದಲೂ ಹರಿದು ಬಂದ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ The Nagavi Yellamma Temple, located near Chittapur, Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga), is a highly respected place of worship dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma. Originating from the Chalukya era, this temple showcases elaborate architecture, peaceful environs, and a main shrine devoted to the goddess. The place serves as a spiritual sanctuary, inviting worshippers in search of comfort and divine favour inside its serene atmosphere. This temple, easily reached by well-connected roads, embodies a wealth of cultural legacy and spiritual importance, beckoning tourists to fully immerse themselves in its sacred atmosphere. The Nagavi Yellamma Temple is a place where history, faith, and devotion come together, with a rich tradition that spans centuries. The innermost chamber of the temple has the sacred idol o...

Kumkumankitha Varnaya Kundendu Davalayacha Vishnu Vahanamsthubyam Pakshirajaya Thenamaha ( One who has the complexion of Kumkum, one who shines like the bright moon I pray to the Vahana of Vishnu, who is the king of the Birds.) A few years back, I got the chance to go to the Garuda Temple at Koladevi, which is close to Mulbagal in the Karnataka Kolar District. This temple is devoted to Garuda Deva, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The Garuda Temple, a renowned historical structure, is situated in the rural village of Koladevi in Mulbagilu Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka, India. Adjacent to this location, there are several historic temples such as the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple. Garuda Panchami falls on the 5th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Indian month of Shravan (July-August). The day is specifically devoted to Garuda, the divine chariot of Lord Vishnu and the sovereign ruler of avian creatures. History -Sthalapurana The origin of this temple can be trace...

  There are beliefs, rituals, observations, and celebrations to thank “MOTHER EARTH”. As traditionally, there used to two-three crops grown by the farmers who largely depend upon nature for yielding bountiful crops. Mother Earth –the soil, Rain-the Water, Light-The Sun, Nutrients, and the microbes-the tiny worms, insects, snakes, bullocks, wind, and nature in total. There are multiple occasions when this “Thanks Giving” is celebrated and observed. Again, it varies from region to region, season to season, and culture to culture. One such is “Yellu Amavasya”, also known as “Ellamavasya”, which is observed on the no moon day in the Margashirsh month (November – December) in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana States of India. “Ellu” means Sesame or Til and Amavasya is the New Moon Day or No Moon Day”. An important ceremony on the Yellu Amavasya day is the spraying of sesame and jaggery in agricultural lands. Even today the organic spray mix contains sesame, jaggery, cow...

From time immemorial, there is evidence of the existence of Sting Puppetry in Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka State. According to folk art experts, the origin of Yakshagana puppetry has not been established. Though it remained with a few families, Yakshagana puppetry has survived for over three centuries, due to the Uppinakudru Kamath family's commitment to the art. In the 17th century, Krishna Babu Kamath and his son Lakshmana Bhagavatha launched the Yakshagana puppet theatre and traveled from place to place staging shows at fairs, temple festivals, and so on. The ancient folk art of “Yakshagana Gombeyatta”- known as Yakshagana Puppetry of coastal Karnataka was founded by three brothers named Sri Laxman. Sri Narasimha and Sri Manjappa Kamath, three centuries ago at Uppinakudru a small village in Kundapura Taluk, Udupi district of Karnataka State, India. It was Lakshmana who founded the Ganesha Yakshagana Gombeyata troupe. The grandson of Sri Laxman Kamath name...

  As a Puppeteer and a researcher, I am always fascinated and drawn towards the giant puppet pageants or parades from Western Countries. Most of the Puppet festivals of Western countries surprise the world with a mechanically devised and human-controlled giant puppet that draws all our attention to it. The French street-theatre company Royal de Luxe has presented multi-day in out outdoor performances featuring their giant marionettes for millions of people around the world for more than 20 years. They have cast big puppets—Big Giant, Little Giantess, Xolo the Dog, Giant Grandmother, and Little Boy Giant in Liverpool, England. A marionette known as the Giant Grandmother is paraded through the streets of Liverpool, England, on July 25, 2014. The parade, entitled "Memories of August 1914" by the French theater company Royal de Luxe, featured the Giant Grandmother, a giant little girl, and her dog, named Xolo, and told the story of the city's involvement in World War I. th...

 Yellara Amma Yellamma Goddess Yellamma is renowned for her prodigious power in southern India. She also goes by the names Renuka, Jogamma, Holiyyamma, Ekvira, and Ellai Amman in the public eye. Her temples are situated in the Karnataka State districts of Soudathi in the Belgaum District, Chandraguthi in the Shimoga District, and Hulgi in the Bellary District. There are well-known temples devoted to Yellamma in nearby states including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Shakthi Peethas include Mahur in Maharashtra and Soudatti in Karnataka. The Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and Bhagavata Purana all feature legends about Renuka. The Legend Story King Renu, Renuka's father, staged a Yagna. a fire ceremony carried out to preserve tranquility and health in his realm. The celestial Gods were pleased with his devotion and gave him a daughter from the yagna's fire as a gift. She was given the name Renuka because she was king Renu's daughter. When sh...

In  Mariam Thimma Sagar-MTS Colony, Karwar Road Hubli, Karnataka, during Sravana maasa, Smt. Chhhaya Sunkad mami and other Marathi-speaking mamis (that's how we addressed all regardless of caste, creed, or religion) would wear beautiful Nauvari Maharashtrian sarees, nath-nose pins, jewelry, and chuda-hair tied in a bun. In addition to singing, they would execute what could be described as "kind acrobatics" by twirling, twisting waists, holding hands, and frog-leaping.  The Indian months of July and August, known as Shravana or Sravan Masa, are auspicious times. Married ladies, in particular, practice a ceremony known as Mangala Gouri Vrat. However, Maharashtra is unlike the other Indian states in its unique take on the Mangala Gouri vrataa. One of the best Vrats, or fasts, is the Shravan Mangala Gauri Vrat, also known as Mangala Gauri puja. Married and single women in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and a handful of other states and communities in Maharashtra observ...

Full Moon day is referred to as Hunnime. According to the Hindu almanac, each full moon day, new Moon day, and Ekadasi are given a specific name. Each of them possesses a significant meaning that is connected to the history of mankind. On the 17th of June 2019, the celebration of Kara Hunnime, also known as the full moon day of Jyestha, took place. The day of the full moon is being celebrated in certain regions of the state of Karnataka in India. This is the first full moon day that has occurred in this region since the beginning of the monsoon rains. Because of this, the full moon on this day is celebrated with a particular emphasis on cattle The farmers celebrate this kaara Hunnime as a sign that the summer season has come to an end and the monsoon season is about to begin. Women of the community gather in the morning to pray to the Pipal tree as a group by tying sacred threads all around the tree. Also, as a part of the worship, you should present the sweet treats that...