Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jul 11: A new cultural platform dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich oral tradition of Yakshagana is set to take shape in Mumbai, with the launch of ‘Sri Vishwesha Yakshajnana Sabha’ on August 28.

The initiative is being undertaken by art patrons and admirers of the late Sri Vishwesha Theertha Sripadaru of Pejawar Math, who are settled in Mumbai, with the aim of spreading the unique vaachika vaibhava (oral excellence) of Yakshagana.

Marking the organisation’s first step, a grand three-day ‘Sri Vishwesha Jnana Satra’ Talamaddale series has been planned, featuring different episodes performed by renowned arthadharis from Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts at various venues across Mumbai.

The formal inauguration of the organisation and the Talamaddale series will be held on Friday, August 28, at 3.30 pm at Sri Pejawar Math, Santacruz, Mumbai. The programme will be followed by the presentation of the episode ‘Pranaya Parityakte’.

On Saturday, August 29, at 3.30 pm, the episode ‘Vaikuntha Dhaama’ will be staged at the Navodaya English High School auditorium, Shivajinagar, Mulund West.

The three-day event will conclude on Sunday, August 30, at 1.30 pm with the valedictory ceremony and the presentation of ‘Rajatantra’ at the auditorium of The Coastal Tawa Resort, near the National Highway, Bhiwandi.

The Jnana Satra will bring together leading figures from the Yakshagana world, with celebrated scholars, artistes from the coastal and Malnad regions, and local talents joining the cultural gathering.

Yakshagana stalwarts to grace the event

Among the prominent arthadharis participating in the series is Vasudeva Ranga Bhat Madhuru, a principal artiste of Sri Hanumagiri Mela, who has earned wide appreciation through performances and art gatherings. A law graduate, he is also recognised for his organisational contributions.

Vidwan Dr Sankadagundi Ganapathi Bhat, originally from Uttara Kannada and currently based in Mysuru, is a Sanskrit scholar and lecturer. He holds a doctorate on ‘Dharmashastra aspects in the Ramayana’ and has established himself as a noted arthadhari.

Harish Balantimuguru, originally a farmer and manager of Sri Hanumagiri Mela, is known for his expertise in arthagarike and his experience in bhagavatike. He also guides emerging talents in the field.

Suresh Shetty Nandrolli, a Mumbai-based emerging artiste, will be part of the team as a performer and organisational supporter.

Veteran musicians to add to the grandeur

The musical ensemble will feature veteran bhagavata Polya Lakshminarayana Shetty, an expert who can perform in both Yakshagana styles and will present the Badagu style of bhagavatike.

He will be supported by talented bhagavatas Mahendra Shetty Nandrolli and Raghavendra Bhat Mala, who have already gained recognition through their performances at various venues across Mumbai.

Renowned maddale artiste A P Phatak will participate as the percussionist. With several decades of experience accompanying artistes across generations, he is known for his deep knowledge of Yakshagana’s various aspects and has also earned acclaim through solo performances with Mantapa Prabhakara Upadhya.

Srinivas Prabhu Kundapura will perform on the chende. Known for his captivating style, he has travelled with several professional Yakshagana troupes.

Initiative backed by Pejawar Math seer

The new organisation and the Jnana Satra series have the blessings of the present Pejawara Math seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Sripadaru.

The initiative is being driven by Seetharama Alva and Mala Raghavendra Bhat. Mijaru Seetharama Alva, brother of noted educationist Dr M Mohan Alva of Moodbidri, is a businessman known for his role as an art patron and philanthropist.

Sri Mala Raghavendra Bhat, son of renowned Vedic scholar Mala Srinivasa Bhat, is a hotel entrepreneur and a young bhagavata known for his melodious voice.

Along with Suresh Shetty Nandrolli, they are spearheading the unique initiative aimed at nurturing Yakshagana’s artistic and intellectual heritage.

The organisers expressed confidence that art lovers, donors and cultural supporters across Mumbai will extend their encouragement and support to the three-day ‘Sri Vishwesha Jnana Satra’ Talamaddale series.