Hagalu Veeshagaararu, a group of wandering actors of
Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh, present their performances in the villages and cities during day time. These actors are experts in the art of miming. In Andhra Pradesh, they are popularly known as pagati veeshagaaru.
Hagalu Veeshagaararu do not require any regular stage for their performance. They pitch their camps in the towns and villages and entertain the audience by singing and dancing. Mythological and epic stories are used as the main theme. Only men folk participate in the performance and the female roles are also taken up by them. These people collect grains as reward for their shows.
Harmonium,
tabla and a pair of cymbals are the major musical instruments used in the performance. Majority of Veeshagaararu belong to Virashaiva and Muslim faith.
