A three-day Uttar Kannada-style Yakshagana programme, ‘Shrimaya Yakshatriveni’, was inaugurated here on Friday.
The programme would feature different episodes in the ‘Badagutittu’ style of Yakshagana, to be performed by Karamane Shivanand Hegde. Mr. Hegde is a third generation performer of the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, Honnavar, which was founded in 1934.
Girish Karnik, MLC, who inaugurated the programme, said Mr. Hegde and his Mandali have been instrumental in taking Yakshagana to an international stage. “They have adapted and presented Yakshagana successfully in this fast-changing world, while keeping the beauty of the folk dance intact,” he said.
He said that Yakshagana played an important role in propagating the Indian culture, by making it enjoyable as well as comprehensible.
Karnataka Agriculture Marketing Minister S.K. Bellubbi ended his speech with a Kannada folk song.
“While watching the performer narrate tales from Hindu mythology with a sweet voice, graceful movements, one can forget their bodies and get engrossed in the performance. Yakshagana has this power,” he said. He said more such performances of the art form are needed to ensure its survival in the age of Television. “Otherwise, the next generation will believe that TVs are a part of our culture,” he said.
Sampaje Seenappa Rai, a major figure in Yakshagana circles for 55 years, was felicitated for his contribution towards the popularisation of the art form.
‘Maruti Pratapa’ was performed on Friday. ‘Panchavati’ and ‘Gadayudha’ will be performed over the next two days at the Town Hall, at 5 p.m.
