Yakshagana timings: Patrons to hold padayatra to temple

Mangaluru: Patrons of Kateel Mela in the coastal district have decided to submit a memorandum to chief minister Basavaraj Bommai seeking the relaxation of rules allowing yakshagana performances throughout the night as per traditions.
Patrons of Kateel Mela have also decided to seek Kateel temple deity’s blessings by holding a padayatra – ‘Ammanedege Namma Nadige’. The century-old Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali, popularly known as Kateel Mela, has six troupes presenting yakshagana ‘thirugata’, where shows begin in the evening and conclude the next morning. As per a government circular, the use of loudspeakers is not allowed in public places between 10 pm and 6 am. Following this, many yakshagana troupes have decided to switch over to short-duration shows.
A Samanvaya Samiti involving artists and patrons held a meeting on Sunday and resolved to demand the state government that the ‘thirugata’ of Kateel Mela be excluded from the restrictions. The meeting chaired by Samiti president Lokanatha Shetty also resolved to hold a padayatra from Bajpe to Kateel seeking divine intervention.
Former chairman of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Dayananda G Kathalsar told TOI that the yakshagana of Kateel Mela is being presented not just as theatre art, but as worship too. “Yakshagana has its own ritualistic bonds and the performance begins at 8pm and last till sunrise the next day. If the length of yakshagana is reduced, it will lose its essence. Yakshagana heralds the essence of the Vedas, Shastras, Puranas and Upanishads and makes common man understand it. When it is reduced to short duration performance, people will not be able to understand the essence and the very purpose of the yakshagana will be lost. Hence, it should be presented in full length till morning,” he said.
Soon, a memorandum will be submitted to CM Basavaraj Bommai. If needed, changes can be made to follow the state guidelines related to the use of loudspeakers so that yakshagana performances be allowed throughout the night. Meanwhile, a date will be fixed soon to hold a padayatra to Kateel temple seeking divine intervention, he added.