Stories of Our Land: Exploring Karnataka's Cultural Heritage
My journey through Karnataka's heritage—from temple architecture to living folk traditions. These aren't just photos; they are the stories that shape my dance and my work with children.
Striking a dance pose at the Somanathapura temple. For me, these heritage sites are not just monuments, they are living spaces that are deeply connected to my art form.
At the Dharmarayana temple for the Bengaluru Karga festival. Experiencing these ancient traditions firsthand, amidst the vibrant energy of the jatre, is an essential part of my storytelling journey.
Witnessing the 'konda haiyodu' or fire walking ritual at the Soliga tribe's 'Roti Habba'. The faith and community spirit during these folk festivals are incredibly powerful.
The magnificent Virupaksha temple and chariot at Hampi. Exploring these ruins, I find stories of our land etched in every stone and surviving painting.
The intricately carved pillars at a temple in Hassan. These sites are an ode to dance, and it's disheartening when artists are restricted from offering their art as a prayer here.
The deity at a temple in Mangalore, connected to the Naga or snake worship traditions of the Tuluva people. The local stories and myths are deeply intertwined with the land.
Haveli hopping in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. I learned that the Ganesha paintings on the walls are actually public wedding invitations for the whole village.
About this collection
I don't visit these sites as a tourist. Whether I am at the Virupaksha temple in Hampi or witnessing the fire-walking rituals of the Soliga tribe, I am searching for the pulse of our past. I document these details because every carved pillar and local myth informs my storytelling workshops and dance dramas. When you work with me, you are not just hiring a storyteller; you are getting someone who understands the living history behind the tales.
My field trips are the backbone of my work. When I stand before the monolithic structures of Hampi or walk the bylanes during the Bengaluru Karga festival, I am collecting narratives. I look for the things that textbooks often miss—the specific carving techniques, the oral traditions of the local communities, and the way ancient practices like Naga worship still define our coastal landscapes.
This research goes far beyond mere documentation. It feeds into the 'Kathayana' sessions I hold with children, allowing me to bring mythology to life with depth and context. It shapes my choreography, ensuring that when I perform or teach, it is rooted in reality rather than just aesthetic movement.
I share these explorations because I believe cultural heritage should be accessible, not locked away in museums. If you are looking for performances, workshops, or academic consultations that go beyond the surface, my work bridges the gap between historical research and creative expression. Let's start a conversation about bringing these stories of our land into your school, event, or community space.
Sneha Kappanna
I am a student of history, a storyteller, and a dancer. My work is not just performance; it is a deep dive into the stories of my land, Karnataka, and I bring this research into every workshop and show I lead.
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