Jogwa actually means alms given to a person, usually known as a Jogta or a Jogtin. They are forced by the society to give up everything and serve God. A jogta has to give up the fact of being a man and suppress all his desires. A jogtin is expected to give up herself, she cannot get married, have children or have a life of her own. This tradition was followed in the rural areas in the ancient times and like any tradition was flexible enough for those in power to misuse it. It is known to be still followed in some villages in Karnataka.

The dance performed during worshiping Goddess “Yellamma” to ask her blessings with energetic, wild moves. The dress is typical maharashtrian green nauwari sadi with hair open and yellow powder called “bhandar” on the whole forehead.