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Beltangady: In historic move, Dharmasthala Mela performances cut short to five-hour duration

  •   Fri, Aug 21 2015 01:16:43 PM

Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Aug 21: From next season onward, Dharmasthala Yakshagana troupe has decided to cut short the duration of its daily performances from the present all-night, to just five hours. A decision about this significant shift from tradition was taken after a three-year long discussions, cogitation, collection of opinion, and after observing success of some Melas which have opted for shorter shows, said Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade.

Beginning next season, Dharmasthala Mela's performances will be between 7 pm and 12 am. At the same time, he said that it has been decided to ensure that none of the Yakshagana traditions like the prelude will be sacrificed.

It may be recalled that a meet to hold discussion on prescribing time limit for Yakshagana performances of Dharmasthala troupe had been held three years back. Discussions about advantages and drawbacks had been organized. Another such meeting was held about a month back at Mangaluru. In the meantime, the nod of the divine has been obtained through the method of 'Deva Prashne (divine query)'. Concurrence of people who organize shows of the Mela as service to the Lord has also been obtained. Most of the people with whom consultations were held, have agreed that there is a need to curtail the period of performance. There are certain questions for which answers are not readily available. Time and experiments will find an answer to these questions, Heggade added.

Although there is no clalrity as to when Dharmasthala Yakshagana troupe was founded, it can be safely said that it is over 203 years old, considering that the then Maharaja of Mysore had extended official invitation to this troupe to perform there in 1812. During the period Ratnavarma Heggade was the Dharmadhikari, this troupe experimented with a six-dimension stage. Now, the concept introduced by Dr Veerendra Heggade will pave way for another change of phase in the troupe's history.

Dharmasthala Mela traditionally performs in Dakshina Kabnnada, Udupi, Kasargod, Chikkamagalur, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga districts.
  

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Comment on this article

  • frank, Tulu Nadu

    Sun, Aug 23 2015

    All the Yakshaganas should be performed in Tulu language.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • santoshprabhu, india

    Sun, Aug 23 2015

    I wish all religion change their style and ritual as per current society and geopolitical situations

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Saish Kumar, Konaje

    Sat, Aug 22 2015

    Its really bad because inconvenience for the people to go home at midnight is one thing and moreover the real talent of the artists wont be exhibited due to lack of time. Atleast other melas should not follow suit.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • yogesh, mumbai

    Sat, Aug 22 2015

    Idhu "kaalakke takka kola" Swamy

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Fri, Aug 21 2015

    Sounds like transiting from test cricket to one day. 50-50, T 20 formats will be even more exciting!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Keshava, Puttur

    Fri, Aug 21 2015

    This is a good move though it is bad for Yakshagana as such. In humanitarian ground for the good of artists, it is a real good decision. As I have seen in past few years, after mid night, there will be hardly 20-30 audience watching the yakshagana. It is like punishment for the artists on stage to perform for such audience. Now at least they can get some sleep after mid night.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Byndoor

    Fri, Aug 21 2015

    Yakshagana Bayalata in the changed form is OK. But there are few things need to be addressed. The majority of people who show interest in Yakshagana are rural folks. They come with all their kith and Kin and view the show whole night. Children who associated with them will go asleep there itself. Once the show ends up in 12 Mid night how the ladies will carry their children to back home is the question ? Small babies OK. It is difficult to drag Children below 6 years back to home. In the full night show, once show is over, Day breaks and they can see path easily and reach their home safely. Safety of people leaving shows at midnight is at RISK. There were instances of falling to open well in sleepy mood.

    Manjunatha!!! Neene Kaapadappa...

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Fri, Aug 21 2015

    Very sad move...sign of down fall of golden era of Yakshagana. Hope other Troupes will not follow this move..

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Beltangady: In historic move, Dharmasthala Mela performances cut short to five-hour duration



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