Chindu Bhagavatham

Chindu Yellamma, a respected icon from Nizamabad, was invited to perform with her troupe at Ravindra Bharathi by the erstwhile Dance Academy headed by Nataraja Ramakrishna.

Gaddam Sammayya, a leader of these troupes, claims that though the Chindu Bhagavatas were seen as a lowly section of society, they trace their origin to Jamba Mahamuni, and believe their clan is the most ancient sect.

Contemporary plays based on the Bhagavata were traditionally passed down orally across generations until playwrights such as Chevirala Bhagayya, Jilla Venkatadasu, Burugupally Venkatanarasayya Panthulu, and Yadavadasu began to document and refine them.

The performances incorporate traditional Yakshagana elements, blending song, verse, and dramatic narration, and are staged in village settings, often under trees or at crossroads, drawing large audiences.

Performances sometimes take place in local venues like the ‘Gadies’ of Deshmukhs or ‘Chavadi Kottaalu’ in Telangana's rural areas, running through the night until dawn, with makeup applied on the spot.