Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: A Hindu family from Kinnigoli in the taluk had arranged for Yakshagana performance. The stage for the performance was erected in the courtyard of a Muslim friend.

After the evening namaz, artistes donning the roles of Hindu gods and goddesses and epic history occupied the stage and enacted a story. The Yakshagana episode, 'Shamantaka Ratna', was staged for about three hours. People of the village congregated to witness the occasion that stood out for harmonious coexistence of religions.

Dakshina Kannada district once in a while witnesses incidents depicting communal intolerance. Kinnigoli witnessed the rare occasion wherein the two families sank their religious differences and joined hands for the said performance. Nagesh, an amateur Yakshagana artiste, has newly constructed his house at Kinnigoli. He had arranged house warming ceremony on November 20. Incidentally, he has christened his new house, 'Shamantaka Ratna'. He planned to stage the Yakshagana with his friends but there was no space in his courtyard for the performance. Even though some alternative sites were available, his neighbour Abdul Razak, readily agreed to give his courtyard for the purpose. Thereafter, Hindu mythological episode was unveiled in front of the eyes of the people who got together in good numbers to watch the performance.

The performance began at around 6.30 pm and continued till 9.30 pm. Abdul Razak also watched the performance along with his family members. Nagesh gratefully recollects that Abdul Razak showed him the plot to build the house and provided water for house construction. Incidentally, the house warming ceremony of Razak had taken place on November 20 four years back. The Yakshagana performance was held duly following all the precautionary measures mandated by the government.

Abdul Razak said he has been watching Yakshagana performances the whole night since his childhood and there is no difference between Muslims and Hindus. He said he is happy that the performance happened in his courtyard. In rural areas, people of all religions live in harmony and the same continues even now, he observed. “People should lay more emphasis on humanity, not religious intolerance," he said.