Bayalata drama is one of the most diverse forms of folk art in Karnataka. North Karnataka relies on folk theatre. Drama consists of lyrics, music and dances.
Bayalata drama is an important folk art among the traditional art forms of Karnataka. Janapada is the basic art form of theatre. It is a household word in most districts of Karnataka. Bayalata drama is an amateur art that has been entertaining the rural people since ancient times. Bayalata drama festival, usually held on occasions of fair, is mainly seen in the districts of North Karnataka like Dharawad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Ballari, Raichur, Kalaburagi and Bidar. Bayalata is divided into doddata (big drama) and sannata (small drama).
This art is also known as Bayalata drama, which is played in the plains of the town. This drama is one of the popular arts of North Karnataka region. Bayalata in a story form includes events, participation, character dressing, and dance etc. Its main plot consists of characters of mythological background.
Bayalata (doddata) performance is very energetic and requires a lot of physical presence. Bayalata drama includes dances, extravagant costumes, grand stage, long speeches, comedy, anger, music. It is based on mythological stories and is performed throughout the night.
