Yakshagana

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.

     Yakshagana is a rich traditional art of Karnataka which has reached a great height among Indian's traditional arts. It has a history of at least five hundred years. It is a unique blend of various arts like music, dance, make-up, etc. The literature used for this dance - drama draws mostly on Puranic stories. Similar art forms are prevalent in different regions of Southern India, such as Kathakkali (Kerala), Theruvukoothu (Tamilnadu), Bhagavatha Mela (Andhra). Yakshagana in different forms and names like Sannata, Doddata, Parijatha, etc. can be seen in different parts of Karnataka.

     Initially this folk theatrical art was confined to the temple. Even now there are several Yakshagana troupes which are sponsored by temples like Mandarthi, Marnakatte, Dharmasthala, Kateel, Mangaladevi, etc. Yakshagana has not only entertained people but has given them lessons in Puranic stories, and values of life. It has also propagated the idea of Bakthi.

     In Coastal Karnataka Yakshagana can be divided broadly into two styles, namely Thenku Thittu (Southern Style). Badagu Thittu (Northern Style). The North Kanara style is a slight variation of Badaguthittu. Thenkuthittu is prevalent in south between Udupi and Kasaragod.

     The Yakshagana troupes begin their itinerant performances at the time of "Deepavali" (in November). The dance drama is performed through the night. The performing season comes to an end in May. But special performances can be arranged in the rainy season also. There are about thirty professional Melas (troupes) and hundreds of artists and others make a living through Yakshagana.

     The greenroom of Yakshagana is called Chowki. Pooja is offered to Lord Ganapathy and the other gods at the Chowki both in the beginning and the end of each performance. Different characters appear on the Rangastala like Gods, Kings, Princes, Queens, Princesses, Ministers, Servants, Rakshasas, Vanaras (Monkeys), Shabaras (hunters), etc. Different facial make-ups and costumes are used for different characters, which are very colorful and gorgeous. Generally men perform the female roles.

     Recently Yakshagana has undergone certain changes by the inclusion of historic, folk, imaginative themes, not only in Kannada but also in Tulu. Later nowadays children Mela and Ladies troupes have also come up. Research and teaching places have been set up at different places. Now and then Akashavani and TV Channels broadcast Yakshagana performances. Several books on Yakshagana have also been published. There is still another form of Yakshagana which is known as Talamaddale where costumes and dance are dispensed with. The artists called Arthadharies expound the story only by extempore dialogue, co-ordinated by the Himmela.

      Even in these modern days of powerful media like TV, Yakshagana has still retained its place and influence on the people, thus keeping the rare cultural heritage alive...