Mangalore: Stunning Yakshagana show at Jeppu sees record crowd

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Feb 10: 'Sri Devi Mahatme' Yakshagana play by Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Dashavathara Yakshagahna Mandali was performed on Saturday, February 9 in the highly illuminated Bayalata at Majila Grounds, Jeppu.

As every year, a grand procession was taken from the main road to the Yakshagana ground, comprising of tiger dance, chende sets, Kalladka dolls and fire stunts, along with a big replica of a cheque of Rs 1,00,333 donated to Yakshagana welfare fund.

Mahapooja was organized in the afternoon, followed by high lunch for which nearly 5,000 people gathered. Puja was held at 8.30 pm, followed by 'Prasad' distribution to all.

The Yakshagana play was performed soon after the Mahapuja. A massive crowd of thousands flocked to the grounds to watch the performance, which in fact was a record for any Yakshagana play staged in the district.

Spectacular firework display from the beginning to the end of the play was another aspect that made the show a unique one.

The Yakshagana show at Jeppu Majila has a history of nearly 42 years. The Yakshagana in Majila was first played in the year 1961. A team of locals joined hands for the cause of Yakshagana and thus was born Jeppu Majila Hathu Samastharu. Yakshagana was played successfully for nearly 32 years, but later and had to take a break of 3 to 4 years, due to some financial and other problems.

The young team later took over the troupe and restarted the show. This was a milestone in the history of Yakshagana. In fact, today Yakshgana that is played in Majila is famous and unique to Dakshina Kannada. Majila gave a star value to Yakshagana Bayalata. It is due to the hard work and true dedication of the team which consists of members from all communities.

After the takeover by the new team, Yakshagana play has now a new look, not only in Majila, but elsewhere as well. Apart from staging Yakshagana shows, the team has donated several lacs of rupees for various causes, including schools, welfare of Yakshagana artistes, medical aid and so on. This year, the team decided to donate Rs 1,00,333 for the Yakshagana welfare fund.

Indeed, Yakshagana Bayalata in Majila has set a trend in many ways, with distribution of food, welfare fund, financial aid for all the artistes and so on together blending with a spectacular performance.

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