Karra Samu

During the communal, religious festivals and also in the marriage processions of some communities, Karra samu is a compulsory attraction. When the marriage procession or the temple procession stops at a centre where four roads meet, the karra samu experts come forward and show their skills usually to the beating of the Tasha. In Vizianagaram District it is still under regular practice. The performance starts with the showing of individual talents. A fighter comes into the arena and waves out his stick in different angles synchronizing to the beats of Tasha. In Northern Andhra areas Tasha, an instrument, which gives fierce inspiring noise, is a necessary musical instrument to perform this Karra Samu or Stick Fight. A Trumpet like instrument called as Bigulu is used. Then the performer holds the stick in the middle and shows his mettle by moving it in all directions as though he is protecting himself against several opposing fighters. The other performers too join for group fight to show off their talent in stopping their opponents. In this art form they demonstrate not only protecting themselves but also the methods of paralyzing their opponents will be displayed. Only after de-paralyzing the opponents can gain further motion.