Six Yakshagana artistes were felicitated on Sunday in recognition for their services to the classical folk art form.
Mullahalli Hariya Naik, Argodu Mohandas Shenoy, Heramjalu Venkataramana Ganiga, Halladi Manjaiah Shetty, Rama Poojary Hemadi and Rameshmunju Siriyar were felicitated by Mogaveera Sangha, Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament and former Union minister Ananth Kumar said the essence of yakshagana was its rich social and cultural content. A sum of Rs 1 crore had been earmarked for the Yakshagana Academy by the State government in the budget this year, Mr Ananth Kumar added.

The MP also felt that fishermen should be treated on par with farmers. The fishing industry in the State should be given encouragement both by the State and Central governments. Mr Ananth Kumar also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh from his MP Local Area Development Fund for the construction of the Mogaveera Sangha building at Jeevanbimanagar in Bangalore.

The audience were treated to two historical yakshaganas - “Chandravali” in the afternoon and “Ghatojagaja” performed in the evening by the Ananthapadmanabha Yakshagana Mandali, Puttur.