- Community
- Madiga
- Meaning of 'Chindu'
- To leap or jump
- Themes
- Stories of Vishnu and his avatars
- Season
- Outside the monsoon
What it is
The plays draw on the Bhagavatam and related stories of Vishnu, with Krishna tales especially popular. Singing, spoken dialogue, rhythmic music and energetic movement come together, and the leaping style gives performances a lively, physical feel. For many villagers these shows are both entertainment and an act of devotion, and a performance can hold a crowd for hours, with children and elders sitting side by side.
How it is staged
Very little is needed: make-up, costumes, musicians, a story and an open patch of ground as the stage. Artists often do their make-up in the open, under a tree, which serves as the green room, and the audience gathers around the performers. The troupes have traditionally travelled from village to village.
A living tradition
Though it began within one community, the art form now draws a wide audience. The Telangana government supports troupes with costumes and props and engages them for public awareness campaigns, weaving messages on health, hygiene, vaccination and HIV/AIDS awareness into performances. This has given artists steadier work and helped the form reach new viewers.
When and where to see it
The troupes take a break in the rainy season, when many artists take up seasonal jobs, so the best chance of catching a show is from about October to May. Look for performances at temple festivals, jataras, village fairs and state cultural events. Ask locally or at district tourism offices, since performances are rarely scheduled far in advance. If you are travelling in Telangana, we can help you check for events along your route. Watching from the edge of the crowd is welcome, but ask before photographing performers up close.
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
