Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 3: The call for granting the recognition of the 'state art of Karnataka' to Yakshagana has been turning into a crescendo. Yakshagana, like the Kathakali of Kerala, which is an art form that is rich in all aspects including songs, dance and speech, has got full support from the people of coastal Karnataka.

Yakshagana, apart from serving the cause of religion and culture has also contributed to the survival and nurturing of Kannada language in the coast and Malnad regions of the state. It may be noted that Yakshagana alone is the art form that is played all through the night, in the history of culture.

Yakshagana, which was revived with the efforts of Parthi Subba from Kumble near Kasargod, is mainly presented in three forms, Tenku, Badagu, and Badabadagu Tittu. Tenku Thittu form is prevalent in Kasargod and Dakshina Kannada, Badagu Thittui is popular in Udupi and Kundapur areas while Badabadagu Thittu is in vogue in Uttara Kannada.

Dr Shivaram Karanth popularized this form with his ballet experiments even in foreign countries. Yakshagana has also been presented in Bharat Natyam and Janapada forms but also in Tulu, Hindi, English and Havyaka languages. The coast has over a hundred professional Yakshagana troupes and over 250 amateur troupes with over 5,000 artistes. Over ten PhD theses have been presented on Yakshagana and over 5,000 episodes are presented every year. It has over 250 WhatsApp groups and over 25 blogs, ten websites, and 200 YouTube channels. The art has strong backing of rich literature, impressive presentation and shows which spread knowledge and pride about our ancient culture.

Now, Sunil Kumar from Karkala is the minister for Kannada and culture. This has buoyed the spirits of the people of the coast. Yakshagana enthusiasts believe that there is nothing wrong in demanding the status of state art for this art form. The people can achieve this objective if they continue to put pressure unitedly for this coveted recognition.