Janapada Loka is the result of the single minded dedication of Sri H.L.Nage Gowda to protect and promote folk art and culture of Karnataka. He was a retired bureaucrat and folklorist. Janapada Loka was inaugurated on 12th March 1994.
15 acres of land on the outskirts of Ramanagara is converted into a museum complete with a village home and surroundings.
Janapada Loka is a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath and they conduct classes on folk music and dance. There are students who hone their skills on various folk arts here.
Janapada loka is recognized by Bangalore University and recognized Janapada Diploma and Janapada Certificate courses that can be completed here.
The campus consists of Lokamahal, Lokamatha mandira, Chtirkuteera, Saraswathi mandira, an open-air theatre, studio, Doddamane, library, a college and research centre, Shilpamala
Lokamahal: In this two-storied building are displayed puppets, life sized dolls, instruments, arms and weapons, weights and measures, pooja items, part of chariots, and masks used in early days.
Ganjeefa art pieces, toys, dolls made from leather are also on display.
Lokamatha mandira: Here household articles like cooking vessels, implements used for farming, grain storage bins, and so on. It gives an insight into the way people innovated, the different tools and utensils to cook different dishes. The vessel used to steam food is very interesting.
Chitrakuteera: Photographs covering different aspects of folk life are displayed here. There are also photographs of the various tribes of Karnataka. Their customs, cultures, dances, and costumes are captured in pictures. It also contains picture essay of Sri H.L.Nage Gowda’s literary achievements and his work in building Janapada Loka.
Saraswathi Mandira: This two-storied building has life size dolls, conference hall and a library. Classrooms are also part of this building.
Shilpamala: The space here is occupied by stone statues.
Open Air Theater: Around 1000 people can seat in this Greek style theater.
Doddamane: Built in traditional Karnataka rural style architecture, this community house is th hub for workshops, seminars, and also provided lodging facility to artists.
Loka Sarovara: This is an artificial man-made lake with boating facilities.
Annual festivals:
- February – March – Lokothsava
- July – Kite Festival
- October – Dasara, during which dolls are displayed for public in Saraswathi mandira
People interested in knowing about the rich art and culture of Karanataka should visit Janapada Loka.
Facilities at Janapada Loka:
- Community hall known as Dodda mane with an equipped kitchen is rented out
- Conference hall and an open-air theatre can also be booked
- Folk cultural shows are arranged on last Sunday of every month in the open-air theatre
- Restaurant Kamat Lokaruchi serves tasty Karnataka cuisine
- Rest rooms
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Folklore Museum
Situated: Ramanagara, Karnataka
Distance: 53 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road and rail
Timings: 9.00 am To 5.30 pm
Closed: Tuesdays and public holidays
Phone: 080-2720-1143
Website: http://www.janapadaloka.org
9 am to 5:30 pm with a lunch break of one and a half hour from 1 pm to 2:30 pm on all days except Tuesday and certain public holidays.
