Veerannatyam, which means the “Dance of the Brave”, is a traditional form of dance, which belongs to Andhra Pradesh, a state located at the south eastern coastal areas of India. This dance form is associated with religious significance. Like any other dance form of this state of the country, Veerannatyam even includes a variety of colorful costumes as well as different kinds of musical instruments.

Performance—This dance pattern, mainly performed by male dancers, has got 3 distinctive stages that are mentioned below: 1st Stage: The dance starts with holding a big plate, named as “Veerabhadra Pallem”, which bears camphor fire and is being carried to the elbows from the palms. Till the fire gets extinguished, the dance is performed vigorously 2nd Stage: This stage is featured with the holding of a long holy pole, which is marked with sacred ash or Vibhuti that symbolizes the ‘Dhwaja Sthamba’. Bells are tied to the top most part of those sacred poles. 3rd Stage: In this stage, the performers dance with tridents and spears into their tongue, hands and ankles. This is known as ‘Narasam’. Dressed in knee length colorful dhotis along with waist sashes and smeared with sacred ash, these performers end the dance.