JOIN USYakshagana touring troupes) are set to begin the season’s tour. The troupe performances come to a halt immediately after Pattanaje, the 10th day in the solar month of Besa (Vrishabha Maasa) in the month of May ahead of rainy season.
Last year, Jalavalli Kaladhara Yaksharanga Balaga, in Badaguthittu and Mahathobhara Sri Mangaladevi Prasaditha Yakshagana Mandali in Thenkuthittu had joined the fleet of melas in the belt.
Kaladhara Yaksharanga Balaga had given 142 shows, of which 120 shows were by pitching tents. As many as 20 to 22 shows were Bayalatas. The Yakshagana lovers still love night-long Yakshagana shows, said Balaga Founder Vidyadhar Jalavalli.
Motivated from the last year’s support from audiences, the Mela will exhibit two new Prasangas— “Apoorva Ardhangi”, by Prasada Mogebettu and “Bhramara Bhargavi” by Nagasri G S.
Mahathobhara Sri Mangaladevi Prasaditha Yakshagana Mandali will start the season with four new prasangas. Kateel Mela will start the tour on December 2, said Mela convener Aithappa Varkadi. Last year, there was demand for Devimahatme and other pauranika prasangas (mythological plays). This year, new plays have been added.
Kateel mela had given 86 performances last year, of which 11 were pitched by tents. The remaining 75 were bayalata. A small prasanga “Akashavani” will be performed for those who like Yakshagana for a short duration. Prasangas like “Parakeda Pingara” “Bangarda Kural” and “Naganandini” have created curiosity among Yakshagana enthusiasts. These showas have already booked 36 shows.
In Uttara Kannada, mythological prasangas are liked. “Agnivarsha” prasanga has performed 56 shows. The performances will held at Kasargod, Karwar and Shivamogga districts as well. Jalavalli mela will have a koodata with Hanumagiri mela, at Panemangalore on December 24, said Jalavalli mela founder Vidyadhar Jalavalli.