Karaga dance during Deepavali

Balance -- Top to Bottom, originally uploaded by Baskhar.

Karagam folk dance (Karaga) is very popular in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh (Garagalu) and Karnataka (Karaga).

Karaga originated as a ritual dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and the protector from diseases such as small pox and cholera, according to some legends.

Karaga dancers perform various acrobatic feats accompanied by a number of musical instruments like Thavil, Nadaswaram, Muni, Udukkai, Pambai, etc.