Bolak-aat is a folk dance form of
Karnataka. It is believed that
Lord Vishnu, on his mission to kill the evil spirit 'Bhasmasura', performed 30 different dance forms, and ‘Bolkat’ is one among them.
The dancers dresses up in traditional Kodava dress, and dance in front of oil lamp in an open field. The performers hold 'chavari', Yak-animal's fur on one hand and 'Kodava', (Sickle) on another hand. If only the sickle is used in the dance, then it is called 'kattiyaata'.
The musical instrument used for this dance is called ‘Dudi’. The theme of the dance is based on the heroic activities of the Kodava gods and goddess.
