Get Back To Your Roots By Immersing Yourself In Karnataka’s Rich Folk Culture At Janapada Loka

Despite all the advantages it has in today’s fast-paced world, there is a real threat of globalisation eroding rich, colourful, and deep-seated cultural roots all over the world. Keeping in mind the current state of affairs, there is an urgent need to protect and preserve the vast reserves of knowledge that rural and folk culture has to offer.

Carrying this torch in Karnataka is Janapada Loka, a picturesque campus dedicated to acquaint locals, as well as the country at large, with the considerable native cultural wealth of resources and knowledge that the region has to offer. As such, if the desire to explore your roots ever strikes you, this is definitely the place to visit! 

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

Janapada Loka, which translates to 'Folk Cosmos’ in English, is a creation of Shri H.L. Nage Gowda, a long-serving civil servant and lover of folk culture of India. It was founded on 15 acres of land near the Bangalore-Mysore highway, first throwing its doors open to the public on March 12, 1994. Today, Janapada Loka has become a hub of activities, festivals, and events that highlight the native culture of the region, be it handicrafts, agricultural practices, storytelling, literature, music, or other art forms. It also serves as a welcome platform for rural artisans and craftsmen and craftswomen to showcase and market their creations. One of the main attractions on the campus, however, remains the folk arts museum, which is well worth a visit. 

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

Visitors enter the museum complex through the Mahadwara, a twenty-foot high structure adorned with horns and trumpets. The museum itself showcases items of daily use employed by those living in the rural areas, including vessels for storage and cooking as well as tools for animal husbandry and agriculture. Life-like statues (including one of the creator of Janapada Loka) of people using the tools, provide a clear explanation of their uses. From life-like sculptures to photographs that will take you back in time - next up is Chitrakuteera, a repository for many fascinating photographs that bring alive the festivals, fairs, and customs of Karnataka before your eyes. Audio and video recordings of performances as well as artefacts and manuscripts are also displayed proudly. 

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

The local practice of using memorial stones to honour brave people for their achievements, one which dates back over 400 years, is on display at Shilpamala. Alongside these inscripted stones, there are many idols of worship on display that had been abandoned but have since been restored to their former glory. Delving further into local practices, we head to Loka Mahal, a two-storeyed building that houses life-sized dolls dressed as Mudalapaya Yakshagana artists, local Coorgi couples, and various village characters, each captured in action while performing a local dance. Other items of interest articles used in wedding ceremonies, weights and measures, ritual items from religious ceremonies, and folk instruments. The first floor is a treasure trove of dolls made for folk theatre -togalu gombegalu, or leather puppets; string puppets; rod puppets; items of clothing of Badagu Tittu and Tenkut Yakshagana artists; Ganjeefa art pieces (playing cards); children's playthings; Soma and Harige; and various other masks.

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

To experience an authentic village scene, head over to Aayagararamala, where a replica of a village house has been built. It is surrounded by tools used by potters, smiths, and farmers, such as sugarcane juice extractors, rice pounding equipment (called Kottana,) fishing nets, hunting equipment, and much more. Further education on the local customs is provided at Dodda Mane, a large house with 12 pillars and an open central courtyard surrounded by halls and rooms used as dormitories for visiting folk artists. These facilities can be hired out by the public for marriage ceremonies as well as by schools, colleges, and various other organisations for camps, seminars and workshops. Additionally, Saraswati Mandira houses a well-stocked library that is open to the public for in-house reading.

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

Other popular attractions include the massive open-air theatre, which comes alive with performances by folk artists every Sunday. The Janapada Mandapa, a spacious hall with a stage, is also often used to put on these performances as well as to conduct the aforementioned seminars and lectures. Furthermore, visitors can also feast their eyes and the video scope theatre and take in an informative documentary about local customs and traditions on the big screen while lounging in comfortable seats. To finish off the visit, one must visit Loka Sarovara, a beautiful artificial lake that offers boating facilities in a supremely tranquil locale.

Pic Credits: janapadaloka.in

Having satiated your hunger for knowledge, you can also satiate your hunger for authentic local cuisine at Kamat Lokaruchi, a popular restaurant located nearby. The word ‘Lokaruchi’ means ‘a taste of the land,’ which is exactly what’s on offer here. Inspired by the traditional architecture of Janapada Loka, this establishment offers specialities from North and South Karnataka, as well as spotless facilities and a fascinating view. Kamat Lokaruchi is best known for its mude idli, which is steamed in screw pine leaves. Their hearty Karavalli meals also go down well with its patrons. Ragi dosas, Akki rottis, Maddur vadas, Mangaluru bajji, Aloo bonda, and palak pakodas are other popular items on the menu. Finish off your meal with some Dink laddoos or Dharwad peda, along with some refreshing sugarcane juice, and of course some filter coffee for a memorable meal!

Pic Credits: Official Facebook/@kamatlokaruchi

So, play your part in preserving folk culture and open your horizons to the fascinating traditions and history of Karnataka’s traditional arts and crafts by planning a visit to Janapada Loka for your next vacation!

Where: Janapada Loka, Bangalore-Mysore Highway, State Highway 17, Ramanagar District, Doddamannugudde Forest, Karnataka - 562159
When: 9:30 am to 5 pm (Tuesday closed)
Price: Rs. 50 per adult, Rs. 25 per child, Rs. 100 camera fee
Contact: 7795632294