Tappetagullu: The Vibrant Folk Dance of North Andhra Pradesh

 

Introduction

India’s folk dances reflect the essence of its villages, communities, and ancient traditions. Among these, Tappetagullu, a unique folk dance form of the Yadava (Golla) community from North Andhra Pradesh, stands out with its vibrant rhythm, devotional essence, and acrobatic mastery. Performed for centuries, this art form continues to thrive in villages of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts.

What is Tappetagullu?

Tappetagullu is a traditional dance and music performance where artists tie a rounded percussion instrument called Tappeta to their chests and rhythmically beat it while performing intense group dance steps. The performers, mostly from the Golla or Yadava shepherd community, wear colorful costumes, anklets, and execute intricate movements, often forming pyramid-like structures that mesmerize audiences.

Historical Roots

Origin and Evolution

• Origins: Tappetagullu is believed to have originated in Srikakulam district, later spreading to neighbouring regions like Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and East Godavari.

• Community Association: This art form has deep roots in the Yadava community, traditionally involved in cattle and sheep rearing. The dance was a way to express devotion, narrate stories, and overcome loneliness while guarding flocks at night.

• Age-old Practice: Oral traditions suggest that Tappetagullu has a history of over 400 years, passed down generations with minimal deviation.

Cultural Significance

Spiritual Connection

The dance is intertwined with devotional practices. During droughts or hardships, the Yadavas perform Tappetagullu to seek divine blessings for cattle and crops. It forms a crucial part of Gangamma Jatara, where Gangamma is worshipped as the clan deity believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, blessing her devotees with protection and prosperity.

Narrating Epics through Dance

Tappetagullu is not just rhythmic percussion and dance; it’s also storytelling. Performances include:

• Ramayana and Mahabharata episodes

• Krishna’s divine plays

• Local legends like Sarangadhara, Chechulakshmi, Chenchita stories

These are sung in folk dialects with melodic ragas and energetic rhythms that captivate rural and urban audiences alike.

Performance Style

Costumes and Instruments

• Costumes: Performers wear colourful banians, langotis or short dhotis, anklets (gajjalu), and tie the tappeta instrument to their chests.

• Tappeta: Made from bamboo and wood, round in shape, played with both hands while dancing.

Dance Structure

1. Group Formation: Generally involves 15 to 20 artists, moving in synchronised circular formations.

2. Acrobatic Feats: Performers form human pyramids, stand atop clay pots, and balance water-filled pots on their heads while drumming their tappetas.

3. Leadership: A guru or leader guides the troupe, deciding dance sequences, songs, and stories to be enacted.

4. Competitive Display: Sometimes groups split into two, challenging each other with intricate beats, acrobatics, and storytelling prowess.

Visual Grandeur

The performances are enhanced by:

• High-pitched calls, laughter, and cheers

• Continuous rhythmic beats with songs

• Complex footwork combining folk and classical dance elements

Training and Transmission

Tappetagullu is learnt from childhood within Golla families. Boys are trained by elders through night practices after daytime shepherding duties. Women rarely perform this dance, but actively support during festivals and rituals.

Modern Status

Revival and Recognition

Despite facing decline due to urbanisation and lack of patronage, Tappetagullu:

• Is showcased in national festivals like Republic Day in Delhi

• Has reached international stages including cultural events in Sri Lanka and Telugu conferences abroad

• Receives support from cultural scholars like Dr. B.S.R. Murthy for its preservation and promotion

Current Strongholds

The dance is still actively practiced in villages like:

• Gollapeta, Patapatnam (Srikakulam)

• Pallapeta, Muripella (Vizianagaram)

• Villages around Gajapathinagaram

Troupes from these areas continue to train youth and keep this vibrant tradition alive.

Unique Features of Tappetagullu

✔️ Dance combined with percussion and storytelling
✔️ Human pyramid formations and balancing acts
✔️ Folk devotional songs with regional dialects
✔️ Exclusive Yadava-Golla community art form
✔️ Performed mainly during village festivals, Gangamma Jatara, temple rituals, and state cultural events

Challenges and The Road Ahead

While Tappetagullu has survived centuries, modernisation, dwindling interest among youth, and lack of systematic support pose threats to its survival. There is an urgent need for:

• Government recognition and inclusion in school arts curriculum

• Financial support for rural troupes

• Documentation and digital archiving of lyrics, music patterns, and dance techniques

Conclusion

Tappetagullu is not just a dance; it is a living cultural heritage representing the spirit, faith, and artistry of Andhra Pradesh’s Yadava community. Promoting such indigenous art forms is crucial for preserving India’s intangible cultural wealth.

People Also Ask

Q1. Where is Tappetagullu folk dance performed?

Tappetagullu is performed mainly in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Q2. What is the significance of Tappetagullu?

It is a devotional dance performed to seek blessings for cattle and crops, narrate epic stories, and entertain communities during festivals.

Q3. Which community performs Tappetagullu?

The Yadava or Golla shepherd community traditionally performs this dance.

Q4. How old is Tappetagullu dance?

The dance form has a history of over 400 years.

Q5. What is unique about Tappetagullu dance performance?

It combines rhythmic drumming, storytelling, devotional singing, acrobatic feats, and group formations in a single performance.