Chiratala Bhajana, also known as Chekka Bhajana, is a folk dance of
Andhra Pradesh. Chiratala Bhajana is similar to
Kolatam in its movements, steps, style and songs. But the dancers hold Chiratalu instead of sticks as in Kolatam. Chiratalu is a pair of wooden pieces fastened with jingling bells and metal pieces that produce metallic sounds.
The themes of Chiratala Bhajana are based on episodes from epics and
Puranas. About 10 to 20 persons form a circle and the leader who stands in the center begins the bhajan and directs the troupe.
