Media release

Mangaluru, Jan 18: Yakshagana artiste and comedian Arun Kumar Jarkala has been conferred with the prestigious 'Sri Kundeshwara Award', which is presented annually from the Karkala's Hirgana. The award will be presented during the Sri Kundeshwara Jatra on January 23, as announced by cultural event coordinator Jitendra Kundeshwara.

Arun Kumar Jarkala, a native Telugu speaker, is the son of Doreswamy and Leelavati. His family settled in Jarkala for work and now resides in Pernankila. Jarkala began his Yakshagana training at the Dharmasthala camp and later joined the Kattelu Mela. Today, he is a highly sought-after artiste in both Tulu and Badagutittu Yakshagana.

Jarkala is well-known for his unique acting style and comedic performances, earning recognition for his ability to entertain and make audiences laugh. His acts, including the ‘Shwetha Kumar’ and ‘Pretha Hasya’ (ghost comedy), have become memorable. He has also performed Yakshagana in the United States and London.

The Benkanatheshwar Mela will feature the performance of Sri Devi Agni Kallurti Tulu Bayalata on January 23 at 7:30 pm. The award ceremony will take place during this time, with several prominent figures, including MLA V Sunil Kumar, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, SKS Karkala managing director Sujay Kumar Shetty, Karkala BJP president Naveen Kumar Nayak, and Karkala Taluk Guarantee Committee president Ajith Hegde Mal, attending.

Yakshagana artiste and lawyer Shri Ramanachar will also deliver a speech at the event.

Religious events will begin on January 21 with the Torana Muhurta, followed by the annual Mahotsava, Annasantarpane, and nemotsava on January 22, as informed by Dharmadarshi Krishna Rajendra Bhat.