Mangaluru: Yakshagana, a traditional evening-to-morning musical theater performance popular in Karnataka, has been affected because of Omicron-focused night restrictions across the state.
Yakshagana is an evening-to-morning musical play. Its episodes are based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. The plays are mostly performed in Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and Kasaragod region of Kerala.
As the tour of the Yakshagana fairs begins, the growing cases of the Omicron edition and the 10-day event night curfew Uncertainty has arisen not only among the people artists, but those who organize demonstrations.
Many Yakshagana mandalas quickly changed the timing of performances between 3 pm and 9.30 pm. However, timing has become a problem for the artists.
An artist from the Kateel Yakshagana Mela said that starting the performance early was a challenge especially for those who have jobs and are artists. They have to apply for half day leave. Also, since it is an open performance and not in a closed hall, wearing heavy makeup and attire before sunset is definitely a challenge keeping the weather in mind. Options are few, if it is this season to stay, that art lovers can get used to.
The service of Shri Durgaparameshwari Dashavatar Yakshagana Mela of Mandarathi in Udupi district is booked till 2043-44. Dhananjay Shetty, president of Mandarathi Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, said, “There is uncertainty. Those who got the slot are not happy with the new timing. Hopefully, this is a temporary change. We are hardly left with any option as it is difficult to get a new slot. Apart from this, there are devotees who are opting for the seva to be conducted in the temple premises during the rainy season,” he said.
There are five fairs in the temple and an average of 950 shows are organized per year. The cost of each service is around Rs 50,000. There are approximately 47 members in each congregation.
A troupe member from Udupi told TOI, “The second wave has left a deep impact on the income of most people, especially in the hospitality sector. Those who organize Yakshagana Harke Sewa every year continue to do so, but among those who have had the opportunity to offer Harke Sewa this year are some who have requested whether it should be done due to financial crisis. The reason may be postponed to a later date. ,
Yakshagana is an evening-to-morning musical play. Its episodes are based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. The plays are mostly performed in Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and Kasaragod region of Kerala.
As the tour of the Yakshagana fairs begins, the growing cases of the Omicron edition and the 10-day event night curfew Uncertainty has arisen not only among the people artists, but those who organize demonstrations.
Many Yakshagana mandalas quickly changed the timing of performances between 3 pm and 9.30 pm. However, timing has become a problem for the artists.
An artist from the Kateel Yakshagana Mela said that starting the performance early was a challenge especially for those who have jobs and are artists. They have to apply for half day leave. Also, since it is an open performance and not in a closed hall, wearing heavy makeup and attire before sunset is definitely a challenge keeping the weather in mind. Options are few, if it is this season to stay, that art lovers can get used to.
The service of Shri Durgaparameshwari Dashavatar Yakshagana Mela of Mandarathi in Udupi district is booked till 2043-44. Dhananjay Shetty, president of Mandarathi Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, said, “There is uncertainty. Those who got the slot are not happy with the new timing. Hopefully, this is a temporary change. We are hardly left with any option as it is difficult to get a new slot. Apart from this, there are devotees who are opting for the seva to be conducted in the temple premises during the rainy season,” he said.
There are five fairs in the temple and an average of 950 shows are organized per year. The cost of each service is around Rs 50,000. There are approximately 47 members in each congregation.
A troupe member from Udupi told TOI, “The second wave has left a deep impact on the income of most people, especially in the hospitality sector. Those who organize Yakshagana Harke Sewa every year continue to do so, but among those who have had the opportunity to offer Harke Sewa this year are some who have requested whether it should be done due to financial crisis. The reason may be postponed to a later date. ,
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