Guravayyalu

Gurravayyalu Dance AndraPradesh
Gurravayyalu Dance AndraPradesh

The Guravayyalu ceremonial dance is performed by the priests of Kurava caste who mainly live in the Anantapur and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh. It is strongly influenced by shaivism since the songs that accompany the dance eulogizes Lord Shiva. The dancers put on a typical costume made of bear skin with hair. Each dancer holds and plays while dancing a small hourglass shaped drum called Damarukam and a bamboo flute Jingle bells (ghungroo) are tied to the waist, knees, and ankles of each dancer who also holds a trident. From one of his shoulders hangs a small bag made of deer skin. The bag contains prasad (offering) offered to Lord Shiva.