Covid declines, Yakshagana looks to revival

By Ganesh Mavanji

Mangaluru: Yakshagana, the popular folk art of coastal Karnataka, which had come to a halt owing to the Covid pandemic in the last 18 months, is back to entertain the public both in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Though various Yakshagana troupes had started performing last year, they were forced to stop shows after a tremendous increase in the cases of Corona. during the second wave. With Corona cases now dropping, the government has lifted the ban on screening films, Yakshagana shows and other entertainment modes.

Even as Yakshagana troupes prepare for the shows, the untimely rain has created fear among them and also among Yakshagana enthusiasts. As Yakshagana shows are performed outdoors, heavy rain could lead to disruption of the performance. The rains cold therefore play spoilsport for Yakshagana this season.

Usually, Yakshagana shows aree held for six months between December and May. During the remaining six months, they remain jobless.

Now, various Yakshagana troupes are preparing for their shows. The famous Kateel Yakshagana troupes (six troupes) will start their shows from November 29. Dharmasthala Yakshagana troupe will start its performances from December 5. Hanumagiri and Mangaladevi troupes will start presenting their shows from December 10. Pavanje Yakshagana troupe has started to give shows from November 16 while Mandarthi troupe already started its performance, Kamalashile and Maranakatte Yakshagana troupes have started to give shows from November 17. Another troupe, Saligrama will start its shows from December 6.

A budding Yakshagana artist, Lakshmana Kumar Marakada told News Trail that he was eagerly waiting to give his performance. “While different Yakshagana troupes are preparing to present shows, heavy rains are lashing our region. However, Yakshagana enthusiasts are putting up banners and pamphlets about the shows as it is the only means of livelihood for us,” he said.

Another elderly artist Bantwal Jayaram Acharya expressed his pleasure over Yakshagana shows resuming after 18 months. “Yakshagana troupes were forced to stop shows owing to a spike in corona cases. We hope there will be no such circumstances this season. We are eagerly waiting to present our performance,’’ he said.