Veeranatyam or the Dance of the brave is an ancient dance form of
Andhra Pradesh, which has its own religious significance. The dancers
are dressed in colorful and attractive knee-length dhotis, while
vibhuti is smeared all over their body. The important percussion
instrument used in this form of dance is the ‘Veeranam’ (war-drum).
Veeranatyam initially started as a ritual performed in Shaivite
temples in the honour of Lord Shiva. The devotional followers of
Veerabhadra are quite popular for performing this style of dance,
especially the Veeramusti community in Andhra Pradesh.
It is performed by men particularly in East and West Godavari, Kurnool and Anantapur districts.The first stage of the dance is marked by the holding of "Veerabhadra Pallem" where a huge plate bearing a camphor fire, is carried from the palms to the elbows. This dance goes on in the backdrop of tune set by several percussion instruments till this fire is extinguished. The second stage involves holding a long-consecrated pole, which is marked with Vibhuti i.e. sacred ash, which represents the ‘Dhwaja Sthamba’ of the Lord where bells are tied to the top. The performers dance using spears and tridents in the third stage, which are pierced into their hands, ankles, and tongue. This part of the dance is called ‘Narasam’.