Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram, Ramanagara District

Karnataka Folk Museum or Janapada Loka is situated in the Bangalore to Mysore highway in Kumara Park West in Sheshadripuram in Ramanagara district. It is maintained by the Karnataka Janapada Parishat and it spreads over an area of 15 acres.

 

The folk life of Karnataka and its aspects are covered in the displays. The amazing amphitheatre and the elegantly carved temple chariot are the major attractions of this place. At one of the museum, there is a lake and pedal boat rides are available.

 

The Karnataka Folk Museum is situated in three buildings namely Lokamahal, Lokamatha Mandira and Chitrakuteera. In the first building there is a unique collection of folk instruments, puppets, utensils and masks. The second building houses the wooden baskets and the earthern jars that were used by the folks to store grain and pickles. The third building has a display of photographs and other aspects of folk life.

 

The Greek style open air theatre here can accommodate 1000 people at a time. There is also a playground for children. The training in various folk arts like Kolata, Goravara Kunitha and Dollu Kunitha is offered here and diploma certificates are given after completing the course.

 

The cultural events related to the folks are conducted here throughout the year. Lokotsava is important event among them which is conducted in every February or March for two days and folk artists from all over Karnataka participate in that. Kite festival and Dassera festival are also celebrated here in a grand manner.