Kolaata means ‘to play with sticks’ in Kannada.  Kadugolla community is most famous for their kolaata dance but this dance form is performed by most castes on their festivals, fairs, marriages and other happy events.

The sticks are made out of wood of kaare, aale, baine and teak and does not break easily. One can produce rhythmic sounds from these sticks along with each step that the dancer takes. Many times these stickes are painted and decorated in different colours.

The kolaata dancers tie ankle bells to both their legs. So, when the songs on worldly and historical themes are sung, the dance culminating with the sounds from the koolu (dance sticks) and the ankle bells of the dancers, becomes a feast to one’s eyes and ears.