‘Need to encourage Yakshagana artistes’

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy member P M Ravi said that the audience should encourage Yakshagana artistes by watching live Yakshagana performances.

Yakshagana art should be preserved for the next generations, he said.

He was speaking during the formal programme of a Yakshagana Bayalata organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture, in association with P U Sundara Yakshagana Balaga, at Golikatte Rehabilitation Layout, in Made village.

“Yakshagana attracts connoisseurs and common men alike. People from foreign countries, too, are drawn towards the art, owing to its richness. More Yakshagana performances should be held in Kodagu as well. The organisers should provide platforms to the artistes,” he said.

He lamented that owing to the overuse of electronic gadgets such as smartphones, the number of people who watch Yakshagana performances live, has come down.

He further said that many amateur artistes in the district have been depending on Yakshagana art for their livelihood. But, owing to Covid-19, they are not getting many programmes. Therefore, the government should organise Yakshagana shows, to support artistes.

Agriculturist Hudikeri Rajendra lauded the organisers for conducting Yakshagana in the rehabilitation layout.

More programmes should be organised to bring hope into the lives of the rehabilitated people, he said.

Kateelu mela young Yakshagana artiste Ashwath Manjanadi was felicitated on the occasion.

Gram Panchayat member Nadugallu Ramaiah presided over the programme.

Made Gram Panchayat vice president C A Chandravathi, District Central Cooperative Bank director Kemmudira Jagadish and others were present.

Artistes performed ‘Mahisha Mardhini’ Yakshagana on the occasion.