Folk culture plays an important role in Indian society by connecting people through shared traditions and serving moral, religious, and entertainment purposes, as demonstrated through forms of folk media like Tamasha, Powada, and Keertana that originated in different regions. While electronic media has influenced folk culture, government programs and support aim to preserve these traditions and pass them to new generations. Folk culture remains an integral part of Indian identity.

1. VISUAL CULTURE IN INDIA
Presentation by
Nithin Kalorth (October 20 2012)

2. FOLK
 People in general having peculiar tastes. A
group of people of same kind of culture,
lifestyle and identified together because of
various sociological reasons.
 Example : Country folk, Town folk, Farming
Folk etc.
 Study of folk( tradition, culture etc) are known
as "FOLKLORE”

3. FOLK MEDIA
 The form of media which is created or formed
generations back or the media having a
cultural identity of some place are known as
FOLK MEDIA.
 The folk culture in India are connected with
moral, religious, and socio-political purposes.
But since it contains elements of art, humor
and spontaneity it is also widely used as a
medium of entertainment.

4. FOLK MEDIA - ADVANTAGES
 Since folk culture is familiar “cross culture”
problems will not encounter.
 Effect is direct to their heart.
 Barriers to communication is not there.
 It can be understood or enjoyed by large group
of people even without high educational
standards.
 Most of folk media are flexible in
accommodating in new themes of life.

6. THAMASHA
 It rooted in Maharashtra before 600 years ago.
 It means “fun”.
 Here a group of people around 6 mostly males
sing songs with a drum accompany and two
females dance according to the theme.
 It is not a religious but it contains story from
Hindu mythology and black humor which
concerns about society.

7. POWADA or PAWALA
 I also originated in Maharashtra and have
similar features of THAMASHA but the story is
concentrated on historical events.
 This got popularity in most of northern parts of
our country and have Hindi version of this.
 Male and female together perform this but its
considered a male dominated area of
performance and viewing.

8. KEERTANA
 Performed and seen in TamilNadu, Karnataka
and in northern states of India.
 It is believed that the saint Narda made this for
praising Lord Vishnu.
 It is related with bhakti movement in India.
 It helped in social reformation and social
education.
 It is now concentrated on temple rather than its
original social needs.

9. YAKSHAGANA
 Folk drama originated from Karnataka.
 Performed from 16th centaury.
 It is connected with bhagavata with mixing up
with various local flavors.
 The players are dressed quit frightfully and
dance according to the song sung by singer.
 Singer and players interact each other during
the drama which creates humor.

10. RAMLILA AND RASLILA
 Ram Lila tells the story of Lord Rama.
 Rasa Lila is concentrated on the love of Lord
Krishna for Radha.
 Ram Lila played during Dashara festival and it
is found in Maharashtra, Manipur, Gujarat and
even some parts of Kerala.
 Rasa Lila is famous in Brindhavan and other
near by areas the roles are played by the young
boys.

11. OTHER IMPORTANT FOLKS
TAMIL NADU THERUKOOTHU, NIZHAL ATTAM,
VILLUPATTU
KERALA OTTAN THULLAL, KOOTHU, THERU
NADAKAM (STREET PLAY)
BENGAL JATRA(JOURNEY)
GUJARAT BHAVANI
UTTAR PRADESH NAUTANKI
KONKAN DASAVATHAR

12. ELECTRONIC MEDIA
INFLUENCE
 The powerful approach of electronic media the
role of our folk dance have been misused.
Glamorization or vulgarization of our culture
is done. Best example is inclusion of our folk
dances and songs as item numbers in Hindi,
Telugu and Tamizh movies.
 But while seeing in other point government
approach through Dhoordarshan are
supporting the old folk culture and introduce it
to new generations.

13. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO
IMPROVE FOLK CULTURE:
 There are many campaign and programs
conducted by government of India as well
government of states and other NGO’s.
 Example ; Chennai Sangamam in Tamil Nadu
and State level cultural competition conducted
by Kerala government in school and university
levels which provide importance to our cultural
values.

14.  Its ultimate role of youth or the new generation
to carry forward our cultural values and its
importance to next generation.
 Remember any development without
understanding our culture is not permanent.