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Stories of Our Land: Exploring Karnataka's Cultural Heritage

bySneha KappannaWorkshops in JP Nagar & shows across BengaluruStarts from₹150 per personView full gallery

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.

Captures from the Ragi Kana, a weekly event promoting sustainability. It's inspiring to see communities come together for a cause, and I was happy to participate.

The temple tank at Hampi. This UNESCO monument is rich with stories, like those of Kishkinda, the land of Hanumantha, Vali, and Sugriva.

The interior of the Virupaksha temple, where a single panel of ancient ceiling painting survives, offering a glimpse into its former glory.

About Stories of Our Land: Cultural Explorations

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.

Documenting Karnataka's living cultural heritage — Approved by the tribe
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Sneha Kappanna

Workshops in JP Nagar & shows across BengaluruStarts from ₹150 per person

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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The magnificent Kailasa temple at Ellora Caves, a monolithic structure carved from a single rock. The scale and detail of this UNESCO World Heritage site are a profound source of artistic inspiration.21
A closer look at the intricate carvings and architectural layers of the Ellora caves. Every surface tells a story, a testament to the skill of ancient artisans.
A view of the rock-cut caves from a distance. The way these structures are integrated into the natural cliffside is a lesson in harmony between nature and human creation.
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A sculpture from the Elephanta Caves, visited on World Heritage Day. Spending time at such sites with fellow researchers, unfolding the beautiful facts about our history, is a crucial part of my extended research on Bharatiya Tantra.6
Another powerful sculpture from the Elephanta Caves. The raw power and grace captured in stone by ancient artists is a timeless source of inspiration for my own work in both dance and painting.
The sanctum at the Elephanta Caves. The play of light and shadow in these ancient, excavated spaces creates a profound sense of peace and mystery, sparking deep contemplation.
The entrance to the main cave at Elephanta. Visiting these world heritage sites is not just a tour, but a pilgrimage to the sources of our artistic and spiritual traditions.

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A digital illustration of Pandurang Vitthal, capturing the divine presence felt during the Pandharpur Wari. This piece is a tribute to the faith and devotion of the pilgrims.

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An intimate look at a Yakshagana artist in the 'Chowki' as he meticulously applies his makeup. This close-up shot captures the intense focus and ritualistic nature of the transformation process before the performance begins.8
The bustling atmosphere of the Yakshagana 'Chowki' where artists prepare for the night's performance. I aim to document the entire process, showing the community and shared energy that exists behind the stage.
A sequence showing the dramatic entrance of Bhoota Kola performers, holding flaming torches that light up the night. These images capture the movement and divine power that are central to the coastal Karnataka ritual.
A powerful shot of a Bhoota Kola performer with two large torches, the flames illuminating the smoke-filled path. My low-light photography skills are essential for capturing the raw, spiritual energy of these sacred events.

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A view of our annual Dhaatu Navarātra Mahotsava. The entire hall is transformed into a landscape of stories, with thousands of dolls arranged in intricate dioramas that depict scenes from our epics and the vibrant life of Bharat.
We welcome learners from across the globe. In this photo, I am guiding students from Creighton University, USA, and St. Joseph's College, Bengaluru, through the museum as part of their India immersion program, explaining the history of puppetry.

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The final, most meditative step in bringing a puppet to life is painting the face. Each brushstroke adds character and soul. This is a quiet moment in my workshop where I am giving expression to a new wooden puppet, a process I am passionate about sharing with my students.

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Discover my theatre workshops, storytelling sessions, and dance performances.

Children's theatre workshopsKannada folk storytellingDance drama curationHistory lecturesPrivate performance bookingJP Nagar events

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