A cultural movement founded by H.L. Nage Gowda to protect, celebrate, and pass on the rich folk and tribal traditions of Karnataka.
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Preserving Karnataka’s Folk Soul Since 1979

Visit Janapada Loka – a one-of-a-kind folk museum showcasing 10,000+ artifacts, live performances, and immersive experiences.
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Step Into a World of Rural Art & Culture

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Rooted in Tradition. Alive in Every Village.

At Janapada Loka, we celebrate the soul of Karnataka

  • Yakshagana

  • Festivals

  • Craftsmanship

  • Folklore

These traditions aren’t just history – they’re a living heritage. And Janapada Loka is where it all comes together.

Janapada Loka

Key Initiatives

JanaPada Loka

Key Initiatives

Folk Arts Museum

A living museum preserving over 10,000 artifacts of Karnataka’s rural culture.

Lokamata Mandira

For promoting traditional dance, music, and theater across Karnataka.

Chitra Kuteera

A gallery showcasing Karnataka’s vibrant festivals, fairs, and customs through striking black-and-white and color photographs.

Houses of Malenadu

Model houses showcasing the unique art, traditions, and sustainable lifestyles of the Deevaru and Hasalaru communities.

Open-Air Theatre

A Greek-style theater with 1,000 seats, hosting lively folk art performances every Sunday.

Video Scope Theatre

A cozy venue behind the open-air theater, screening documentaries and videos on folk culture.

Saraswathi Mandira

A library and research center dedicated to preserving books and manuscripts on folk culture.

Tribal Village
An immersive exhibit showcasing the lifestyles, rituals, and traditions of Karnataka’s diverse tribal communities.

Loka Sarovara

A scenic one-acre artificial lake offering pedal boat rides in a serene, natural setting.

Alasuru Chariot

A restored temple chariot displayed for its intricate carvings and historical importance.

Children’s Park

A play area for children aged 2–10, with family seating and a relaxing atmosphere.

Siddhi Vinayaka Temple

A serene shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, blending traditional and modern architecture within Janapada Loka.

Loka Siri

A two-story building displaying Yakshagana dolls, folk instruments, and traditional puppets.

Village House

A rural-themed exhibit featuring tools, carts, and a traditional house, reflecting village life.

Dodda Mane

A traditional twelve-pillared house with a central courtyard, used to host events and accommodate visiting folk artists.

Support and Involvement

Donate and Contribute

Support and preserve our rich folk heritage – donate and contribute today.

Membership and Sponsorship

Join us to empower and celebrate our cultural heritage.

Volunteer and Collaborate

Lend your hands and heart to keep our folk heritage alive

Our Achievments

Karnataka Janapada Parishath was founded on March 21,
1979, with the primary goal of promoting, preserving,
propagating, and documenting the rich folk traditions of
Karnataka. Over its 37-year journey, it has achieved numerous
milestones, including:

Recording and Production of Folk Music Documenting authentic folk music in various styles and tunes, performed by traditional folk musicians. Producing and selling audio cassettes and discs featuring folk music performed by new artists, with instrumental arrangements designed to complement their lyrics, voices, and melodies.

Establishment of Folk Museums Creating museums that display an array of folk artifacts, including musical instruments, puppets, household items, traditional jewelry and apparel, arms and weapons, earthenware, life-size statues of Yakshagana artists, masks, photographs, paintings, and other native artifacts of Karnataka.

Visual Documentation Video recording the lives of villagers, their festivals, customs, dances, puppet shows, dramas like Sannata and Krishna Parijatha, as well as traditional sports and musical instruments. Producing thousands of traditional color transparencies on these subjects.

Publications and Research Publishing the journal Janapada Jagattu, dedicated to the study, research, discussion, review, and analysis of Karnataka’s folklore. Establishing a specialized library for the study and research of Janapada traditions.

Events and Recognition Organizing seminars, Janapada Kalamelas (folk art festivals), and training programs in native folk dance forms. Honoring and celebrating folk artists with special felicitations. Infrastructure Development. Building Sobane Chikkamma, a fully equipped studio for audio recording, video filming, slide preparation, and film screening. Establishing a Folk Research Center and Folk University in collaboration with Bangalore University.

Media and Broadcasting Producing the Sirigandha television series, comprising 108 episodes, showcasing folk traditions. Publishing literary works based on folk culture and heritage.

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