Karayila is a popular folk drama of
Himachal Pradesh. It is inclusive of a series of small playlets, farces, skits, revues and burlesques. Humor is the forte of this play. Karayila derives its name from 'Karal', literally means 'ferocious'.
The play opens when a male actor in disguise of Chandravali enters the stage with a plate (thali) containing a well lit lamp in her hand. Chandravali represents Goddess Lakshmi - the deity of wealth and prosperity. she performs a dance around the bonfire with a lamp lit Thali or Dhupa Patra in her hand. This heralds the auspicious start of the performance. Sadhu ka Swang is the other significant part in the play.
Chimta, Nagara, Karnal, Ranasingha, Shehanai, Bansuri, Dholak and Khanjiri are the main instruments used in this drama.
