Media Release
Dubai, Jun 13: ‘Dubai Yakshothsava 2024 - Dasharathi Darshana’, a Yakshagana event presented by Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, has been successfully hosted in Dubai, setting new records.
Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra Dubai UAE presented ‘Dubai Yakshothsava 2024 - Dasharathi Darshana’ Yakshagana and presented ‘Yaksha Shri Raksha Gaurava 2024’ award ceremony on June 9 at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai.
Based on the story of Ramayana, ‘Dasharathi Darshana’ Yakshagana performance received immense appreciation from the audience both in-person and through social media platforms. It garnered widespread acclaim from art lovers around the world, further solidifying its record as a model Dubai Yakshagana performance.
The event began in a religious and traditional grandeur, starting with the recitation of Sri Rama Raksha Stotra, bhajans, and Chowki pooja, followed by a prelude performance that set the standard high for an opening performance on stage. The ancient tradition of Yakshagana's Ganapathi Kauthuka in the prelude was well-received by all. The dignitaries, including Patla Satish Shetty, founder president Yaksha Dhruva Patla Foundation, along with other distinguished guests, were welcomed with full honour and a grand Purnakumbha procession. The programme was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by prominent guests and Sumangalis.
During the intermission of the performance, the Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra (YAKU) presented the annual special ‘Yaksha Shri Raksha Gaurava’ award. For the year 2023-2024, this award was given to the local Yakshagana artiste and senior member of the Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra, Shri Venkatesh Shastri Puthige, honouring his contributions to the Yakshagana field.
Special guests included the director of the Yaksha Dhruva Patla Foundation Trust, Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, and prominent sponsors like Bhima Jewellers' Nagraj Rao and officials from Al Fardan Exchange, who graced the occasion and enhanced the event's appeal.
Among the distinguished attendees were Sarvottam Shetty, Vasudeva Bhat Putthige, Satish Poojari, Harish Sherigar, Harish Bangera, Ramanand Shetty, Sandeep Rai Nanje, Divakar Shetty, Atmanand Rai, Sudhakar Rao Pejavar, Gunashil Shetty, Jayaram Rai, Sundar Shetty, and environmental enthusiast R K Nair.
The performance featured a balanced and competitive showcase of Yakshagana acting and dance by senior, junior, and child artistes of the Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra Dubai. With the melodious singing of Yaksha Dhruva Shri Patla Satish Shetty, renowned female Bhagavata Bhavyashree Harish Kulkunda, and young Bhagavata Krishna Prasad Rao Suratkal, the event was elevated to unprecedented levels. Additionally, young and famous Maddale players Mayura Naik and Savinaya Nellitheertha accompanied the performance, adding to its excellence. Bhavyashree's son Agastya Kulkunda contributed with his rhythmic expertise on the Chakatala.
The event was further beautified by the striking costumes and makeup skills of artists like Gangadhara D Shettigar Kinnigoli, Nithin Kumpala, and Manoj Shettigar Haleangadi, who mesmerized the audience with their colourful attire and decorations.
The ‘Dasharathi Darshana’ Yakshagana performance was directed by Dubai Yaksha Guru Shekhar D Shettigar, who is a recipient of the ‘Yakshamayura’ and ‘D R Bendre Award’, along with co-director Natya Guru Sharath Kudla, and performed by artistes from the Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra, received unanimous praise from the gathered Yakshagana enthusiasts.
Notably, 127 characters appeared on stage, depicting Kailasa, Vaikuntha, and Satyaloka simultaneously. The beginning and end of the performance featured Kailasa and Vaikuntha, showcasing different artistic interpretations by seven pairs of Rama-Lakshmana, and included magnificent visuals of Setubandhana, novel narrative techniques, and innovative dance formations. The performance was filled with colourful costumes, dances, and a new conceptual dance-drama format, leaving the audience in awe. Children performing alongside seniors artistes added charm to the show, gaining special admiration from the Yakshagana fans. Art lovers from the undivided coastal areas of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada, as well as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and abroad, expressed their appreciation through messages and calls.
Overall, the ‘Dasharathi Darshana’ Yakshagana performance created a new milestone in the history of Dubai Yakshagana.
The success of this event was due to the diligent efforts of a model team of organizers who took charge of everything from the welcome gate, deity mantap, special visual arrangements, stage, costumes, guest welcome, meeting programme management, first aid unit, printing, and continuous promotion in the media. Their undivided commitment and dedicated work was the cornerstone of this successful event. All members of these teams deserve a special congratulations. Special acknowledgment goes to the coordinator of the Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, Kottinja Dinesh Shetty, for his exemplary leadership.
The event was compered by Rajesh Kuthar, with Dinesh Shetty Kottinja expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed directly and indirectly. Speaking to the media, Girish Narayan Katipalla thanked all media friends for their support in making the event successful.