Kolatam, a folk dance, dates back to 7th century. Kolatam has different names in different regions of the country. It is performed with sticks and both men and women participate in the dance.
Kolatam is performed during village festivities. It is a lively combination of pleasing rhythmic movements and songs with the accompaniment of music. About 8 to 40 artists participate and is led by a leader who initiates the dance. In a group, there are several pairs of dancers, called 'Uddis’. The dancers slowly move to form a circle, while they beat, others stick in rhythm.
Men wear a tightly worn dhoti, ankle bells, white shirts and a kerchief around the neck. The instruments accompanying the dance are Harmonium, flute, mridangam and clarinet. Chiratala Bhajana, a folk dance of Andhra Pradesh, is similar to Kolatam.
