Oggu Katha marks Kalasamithi anniversary fete

The Telugu Janapada Kalasamithi celebrated its second anniversary at the Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College on Sunday. Oggu Katha, a traditional folk art form, was rendered to mark the occasion. The traditional art form conceived by Vallam Peda Veeraiah is being continued by his son Vallam Sathaiah and others.

Oggu Katha is one of the most important folk art forms of the united Andhra Pradesh, which originated among the Kurumas, a pastoral community. The community members worship Lord Shiva. Oggu Katha is more popular in Telangana. It derives its name from Oggu, a musical instrument which is used by folk artistes to narrate a story in praise of the Gods and Goddesses. Oggu is a folk name given to Damaruka of Lord Shiva. Normally, a troupe comprising four to six artistes renders Oggu Katha. The story is narrated by the main character.

The troupe of Ramula Kumar from Karimnagar narrated ‘Renuka Yellamma’ Oggu Katha, which enthralled folk art lovers. Prof. Bigicherla Krishna Reddy of Telugu University was honoured with the title ‘Telugu Janapada Kalanidhi’ by the Samithi as part of its anniversary fete.

Karnati Lakshmi Narasaiah, YV Rao, Kaku Mallikharjun, Tatavarthi Suryanarayana and others were present on the occasion.

By: HVRS Prasad