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Oggukatha is one of the most important
theatre forms of Andhra
Pradesh, which originated among 'Kurmas' ('Yadavas'), who devoted
themselves for singing ballads in the praise of Lord Shiva. They move from
place to place, singing ballad, narrating the stories of their gods
'Mallanna', 'Beerappa', and Goddess 'Yellamma'. It is especially famous in
Telangana, region.
Oggukatha
art derives its name from the instrument called 'Oggu', which is used, at
the beginning of each story and also at the marriage festivals of
Mallanna. 'Oggu' literally means to submit. The Oggus are the priests who
submit themselves to Mallanna, their family God and narrate stories in
praise of him.
Costumes & Instruments
It is also known as "Jaggu", a folk name given to Shiva's "Damruka"
(drum). Oggu Katha team consists of 4 to 6 members with a chief narrator
and instrumentalists. The chief narrator wears a dhoti tied upto the
knees, a coloured shirt, a coloured head cloth and waist cloth and ankle
bells.