Yakshagana timings: Padayatra held against reduced duration

Mangaluru: Patrons of Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali (Kateel Mela) organised a padayatra ‘Sri Kateelammanede Bhaktara Nade’ on Sunday, to oppose the shortening of the duration of all-night Yakshagana performances from 2022-23. Sri Kateel Yaksha Seva Samanvaya Samiti, Sri Kateel Mela Yakshagana Seva Samiti from various parts of undivided Dakshina Kannada, and Yakshagana hosts were part of the footmarch that commenced from Bajpe Sri Sharada Shakthi Mantapa to Kateel temple. Devotees offered prayers to the presiding deity at Kateel temple. The duration of day-and-night Yakshagana performances were cut short, following the government guidelines related to ban on loudspeakers.
Members of the Samanvaya Samiti, and patrons appealed to Kateel temple administrative trustee Sanath Kumar Shetty and temple hereditary trustee Vasudeva Asranna, to continue the all-night Yakshagana shows of Kateel Mela. They urged that the decision to cut short the duration of performances from the 2022-23 touring season, which will start on November 24, should be withdrawn.
Samiti convener Ashok Krishnapura said that Yakshagana is not just an art form, but has religious significance. “Devotees host Yakshagana of Kateel Mela with utmost devotion. Hence, the shows should be presented as per traditions,” he said.
They also urged Kannada and culture Minister V Sunil Kumar and others to relax restrictions, of the ban pertaining to the use of loudspeakers after 10pm.