Media Release

Bahrain, Oct 4: The vibrant colours, music and storytelling of coastal Karnataka’s Yakshagana came alive in Bahrain as the Kannada Sangha Bahrain presented “Yaksha Vaibhava 2026 – Lakshmi Swayamvara – Vali Moksha” at the Asha Prakash Shetty Auditorium, Kannada Bhavana, on September 25.

The grand programme drew more than 400 art enthusiasts, who gathered to experience the traditional art form and its rich cultural heritage.

The performance was staged through a collaboration between guest artistes from India and the UAE and artistes of the Kannada Sangha Bahrain, bringing the distinctive grandeur of coastal Karnataka’s Yakshagana tradition to the Bahrain stage.

Guest Bhagavatha Swara Varidhi Kavyashree Naik Ajero, Himmela artistes Savinaya Nelliteertha and Satyajith Rao Rai, and Mummela guest artistes Yakshaguru Shekhar D Shettigar and Ravi Kumar Mundaje took part in the presentation, adding to its artistic richness with their performances.

The guest artistes who travelled from India and the UAE were felicitated as part of the programme. Mementoes were also presented to the artistes who participated in the Yakshagana presentation, along with art patrons and sponsors who extended financial and other support towards the successful organisation of the event.

In recognition of their contribution to Yakshagana and service to the arts, the Sangha’s Yakshagana coordinators Ram Prasad Ammenadka and his wife Shobha Ramprasad were also honoured.

The felicitation programme was attended by Kannada Sangha president Ajith Bangera and office-bearers, art patrons Subhash Chandra, Naveen Shetty Riff, Srinath Chekke and Naveen Bhandari, former Sangha presidents Raj Kumar, Pradeep Kumar Shetty and Amarnath Rai, Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Bahrain-Saudi chapter president Gopal Shetty, Vishwakarma Seva Balaga president Satish Ullal, among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Kannada Sangha president Ajith Bangera and art patron Subhash Chandra underlined the importance of preserving Yakshagana and ensuring that its rich traditions are passed on to future generations.

Kannada Sangha general secretary Ram Prasad Ammenadka welcomed the gathering, compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.

Senior artiste Mohan Edaneeru and Yakshagana Kendra teacher Jivitesh Poonja supported the programme as Yakshagana trainers.

The event was brought to a successful conclusion through the collective efforts of the Kannada Sangha executive committee, artistes, volunteers, art patrons and well-wishers.

Light refreshments and a meal were arranged for the guests and art enthusiasts attending the programme.

The event formed part of the Kannada Sangha’s continuing efforts to preserve and promote Karnataka’s art, culture and traditions in Bahrain. Yaksha Vaibhava 2026 thus offered Kannadigas and art lovers in Bahrain an opportunity to experience and further connect with the traditional Yakshagana heritage of coastal Karnataka.