Mysore: The way humans used to lead their lives from prehistoric times, be it in the forests hunting animals with compatriots, eating the flesh of animals hunted thus, or drinking water from the palm of the hands; all these were presented to the public using various art forms by the Budakattu community folk of Andhra Pradesh.

This performance was on the lines of the celebration of Independence Day at the MMCA Auditorium at JK Maidan. As a part of the Indira Gandhi National Human Library Ananta Yatra-5, traditional art forms with specific emphasis to North Eastern art history that showcased special exhibition, artwork, workshops and cultural programmes.

The Budakattu folk sang songs accompanied by hand beaten drums. To these beats, eight dancers performed a traditional act called Dandora. They enacted the life of prehistoric society by means of a pantomime.

Gopika ladies also performed on the tunes of ‘Shree Krishna Vasudeva devakeenandana’, a popular Assamese song. ‘Takar hi Jene’, a dance popular in Arunachal Pradesh also caught the attention of the audience. ‘Takar hi Jene’ translates to ‘the girls from the stars’. Their unique dressing style caught attention of the audience.

Manipur’s ‘Don DolakCholom’ which is usually performed during the festival of Holi also enthralled the audience. KandanarKelaanTheyyam from Kerala, Rughula from Meghalaya, Haandu from Nagaland, PataKunitha from Karnataka, Dailo from Tripura, Gantu from Sikkim and Mizoram’s Sarlaimkeydance forms were also presented on the occasion.