Gorava
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The term gorava refers to men and women belonging to the
Kuruba Kuruba is a Hindu caste native to the Indian state of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are the third-largest caste group in Karnataka. Traditionally, they were agriculturalists and cattle farmers. The origins of kuruba i ...
community who have taken a special vow and dress in the traditional overcoat and headgear, and beat a damroo shouting "Elukoti.. Elukoti. Elukoti.", meaning ''seven
crore A crore (; abbreviated cr) denotes ten million (10,000,000 or 107 in scientific notation) and is equal to 100 lakh in the Indian numbering system. It is written as 1,00,00,000 with the local 2,2,3 style of digit group separators (one lakh is e ...
s'' - the number of Goravas Mailara, armed with a bow and arrows, took to battle against a demon, Mallasura and his brother. They also dance in ritualistic warrior-like dance called the
Goravara Kunitha Goravara Kunitha is a traditional dance of Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka. Kuruba Gowdas are devotees of lord Mailara Linga, men belonging to this community take Deekshe or the process of initiation to follow the tradition of Gorava. The Deekshe is ...
, which involves use of a small
dollu The dollu is a double-headed drum native to Karnataka, India. It is classified as a membranophone. The heads are made of sheep or goat skin and the frame is made of honne or mango tree wood. The instrument is used mostly in theatrical dances wi ...
in one hand and a
flute The flute is a family of classical music instrument in the woodwind group. Like all woodwinds, flutes are aerophones, meaning they make sound by vibrating a column of air. However, unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is a reedless ...
in other. Goravas wear a headgear made of bear hair. It is customary in most villages of
Karnataka Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
to bring young children in front of the Goravas to get their blessing and to allay the fears of children.


References

* Culture of Karnataka {{India-culture-stub