These people are commonly found in Telugu-speaking regions. The word originates from the Sanskrit word dasa, which means servant or devotee, and refers to devotees of Lord Vishnu. Traditionally, Dasaris belonged to a community of religious mendicants who engaged in devotional singing, served as temple attendants, often used a couch shell; practised storytelling, entertained the public; and gave public performances such as Bhagavata dance. Some of them were also engaged in trades like bangle and perfume selling. As a surname, Dasari reflects ancestral ties to this religious community and its spiritual and cultural occupations.