Aayi (Karnataka folk tradition)

Aayi is a traditional folk ritual from Karnataka, India, often performed to honor local deities, seek blessings, and safeguard communities from evil spirits. Usually involving songs, dance, and symbolic offerings, it reflects regional cultural heritage and collective faith. Participants may dress in traditional attire, perform rhythmic movements, and use musical instruments to invoke divine presence and foster social cohesion. Aayi serves as both a spiritual practice and a celebration of Karnataka’s rich indigenous traditions, reinforcing community identity and cultural continuity across generations.