Bhogam Melalu : An Integral Part Of Festivals With Spirit

Bhogam Melalu : Once an integral part of festivals, where groups of ten to fifteen female performers would come together. These melas had a leader and were accompanied by musical instruments such as the fiddle, harmonium, and maddella.

The performers would sing popular movie songs in pairs or groups of three while dancing, with the remaining members standing behind and singing along. Typically, affluent men would come to watch and enjoy their performances. The performers had the freedom to sing and play as they pleased. At the end of their performance, they would collect money by offering tambulas (betel leaves and nuts) to the audience.

Bhogam Melalu & Performers

At times, these performers would shamelessly display their sexuality and provoke their admirers. Notably, their bear dance was a highlight of their performances. Acts like Rathikriya, where one woman would pretend to be a male bear and another woman as a female bear, enthused even adult audiences.

However, it is important to note that not all of their performances can be categorized as cheap dances. Among them, the leader would showcase a refined style of dance called mejuvani, which belonged to the best dance category. Even the pundits (scholars) would be enraptured by the javalis (devotional romantic songs) sung by the leader. Thus, these melas presented a combination of devotional and romantic elements in their performances.

Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1808&action=edit