Media Release
Dubai, Feb 3: Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, one of the prominent Yakshagana practice centres in the UAE, held the Muhurtha Pooja for ‘Dubai Yakshotsava 2026’ on February 1, at the Banquet Hall of Fortune Plaza, Al Qusais, Dubai, in the presence of Yakshagana artistes and Kannada enthusiasts.
Under the leadership of Putthige Vasudeva Bhat, owner of Venus Group, and with priestly guidance from Shivraj Bhat, Venkatesh Shastri Putthige and Santosh Rao Ermal, all rituals of the Muhurtha Pooja were successfully performed.
The Dubai Sri Rajarajeshwari Bhajana Vrinda, along with members of the Kendra, conducted a devotional bhajana session.
Following this, artistes of the centre performed traditional Yakshagana rituals such as Stuthi Padya, Gajje Dharane, Chowki Pooje and the ceremonial invocation of the deity onto the stage. Rehearsals for the Yakshagana performance scheduled on June 21, as part of Dubai Yakshotsava, were then inaugurated. Senior, junior and newly joined artistes participated in the ritualistic Gajje Seve.
Venkatesh Shastri delivered a message of good wishes at the inauguration of the practice session, joined by the priests and senior artistes.
Distinguished guests present included Vasu Shetty, president of Gammat Kalavider UAE; Jayananda Pakkala, senior member of the Kendra; Prabhakar Suvarna, founder of Suvarna Pratisthana, Karnire; Varadaraj Shettigar representing Padmashali Samaj; Manohar Hegde from Dubai Karnataka Sangha; Jayanth Shetty; and media representatives Santosh Kumar Polali and Vijaykumar Shetty Ganadamule. All conveyed their support and extended best wishes for the success of the event.
Patron Dinesh Shetty Kottinja shared details about Dubai Yakshotsava and sought continued support for the dedicated efforts of the artistes.
Chief Yaksha Guru Shekar D Shettigar Kinnigoli spoke about the upcoming Yakshagana production, Sri Hari Leelamrutha, which will be staged during Dubai Yakshotsava 2026.
The programme was conducted by Girish Narayan Katipalla, who also delivered the vote of thanks.