Chindu Yakshaganam is a traditional dance-drama art form of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and is mainly found in Siddipet in Medak District in Telangana. Colorful makeup and folk music are the main attraction of this dance form. The performances are based on stories from Puranas and other Hindu scriptures. Like all traditional art forms, Chindu Yakshaganam is struggling to survive.
A unique aspect of Chindu Yakshaganam is that women does not participate in it. Men adorn the role of women except the role of Yellamma.
Earlier, only natural products like plant extracts were used as make-up. But things have changed and natural products have given way to make-up.
Chindu Yakshaganam is performed by the Chindu Madiga community.
Kota Shymala Kama Shastry in his Sri Andhra Vachaspathyamu (1940) gives the meaning of the word Chindu as ‘vibrant step.’ Another view in the same text is that word is derived from the word Sindu meaning ocean as the dancer’s moves resemble the circular and curvy waves of the ocean.
Chindu Yakshaganam is mainly based on Jamapuranam. It narrates the story of Renuka who was killed by her son Sri Parasurama. Later Renuka takes the form of Yellamma and to pacify her, a dance is performed. This is the first Chindu Yakshaganam performance.