Karnataka
has a rich tradition of folk arts and folklore. Different branches of
folk art like singing, drama, dance and puppet shows are popular in the
rural parts of Karnataka. On different festivals and especially during
Dasara these artistes visit the city of Mysore and perform. In the olden
days they performed before the King, today they perform on the streets
of Mysore or in specially designated areas during Dasara. Presentation
of Folk Art by popular folk groups of the state has become an
established and regular part of the Dasara celebrations. These folk artistes form part of the famous Dasara procession as well. Bessu Kamsale, Somanakunitha and Yasksghagana the popular folk art of Karnataka form an integral part of the Dasara celebrations and the procession. Beesu Kamasale has been recognized as a leading folk art of India and many leading groups have taken part in national and international cultural festivals. Yakashgana is a nightlong stage play, where the actors enact episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata throughout the night.
This folk art is especially popularly in Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka are performed in Mysore. Folk art or indigenous art is an integral part of rural life and is handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. Recognizing its importance Mysore University has set up a museum of Folk arts to collect artifacts related to the different folk arts in Karnataka. The University has also introduced a course in Folkarts at the Master's Degree level.