Tappeta Gullu dance derives its name from the instrument used in the dance itself. Tappeta is an instrument that has the shape of a flat drum. It is widely popular in North Andhra districts like Srikulam, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram. Tappeta Gullu is regarded as a devotional dance as it is performed to please the goddess of rain Gangamma.
In old times, Tappeta Gullu was used by shepherds to invoke the goddess of the rain. Later, it became popular with the general public also. People love the performances and songs associated with the folk dance. The popularization of the dance gave it exposure outside the villages.
When Tappeta Gullu dance is performed in a ritualistic form, first a man takes a water pot decorated with ornaments all around the village. After this performance starts in the evening when everyone can witness this performance. Themes for the dance are mainly taken from Ramayana or Bhagavata Gita. This performance is also done for lord Vishnu. It shows ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu that he has taken in Indian mythology.
Gangamma Festival Celebrations
Gangamma festival is celebrated during the start of the fishing season. Fisherman from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka celebrate this folk festival. Gangamma Jatara or Jathra festival continues for eight days.
During the Gangamma festival, Tappeta Gullu is performed on a grand scale which begins on Bhishma Ekadashi. Due to its demanding requirements, only males perform Tappeta Gullu. The entire village takes part in it and sometimes outsiders come to see it too.
The dance is performed in a large group that includes twelve to twenty people. While performing the dance dancers show their acrobatic talent. This dance form requires a lot of stamina and muscle power. The repetitive steps and beats on the drum can be performed only by experienced dancers. It is almost impossible for newcomers to perform this dance without getting tired in the middle of it.
Tappeta Gullu Costume
The dancers wear shirts and dhotis. They are not different from daily clothing only the colors which they wear while performing are more vibrant than the clothes they wear in daily life. Dancers also wear a bell around their ankle. The tappeta drum is tied to their chest so they can perform easily without it getting in their way.
With time Tappeta Gullu has become a dance of celebration. It is being performed in ceremonies like marriages. At first, it was popular only with Yadavas but later it found its way to all communities. One has to see this dance personally to see it’s magic and how it hypnotizes people.
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