Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 22: Dr Ravikumar Sooralu, who happens to be the current Bhagawath of Saukoor Yakshagana Mela, has been chosen for the 'Sri Kundeshwara Samman' award that is being conferred on behalf of Lord Kundeshwara temple at Hirgana, Karkala.

The award function will be held at 9 pm on January 23 at Hirgana Lord Kundeshwara temple, said Jitendra Kundeshwar, coordinator of the cultural programmes. On this occasion, Saukoor Mela will present a Yakshagana episode, 'Pushpachandana', he stated.

On account of the annual festival, there will be Mahotsava, community feast, Ranga Puja, Bhoota Bali and Nemotsava on January 22 followed by holy cleansing (Samprokshane) on January 23.

About Dr Ravi Sooralu

Ravi Sooralu achieved mastery over Bhagawath profession after getting trained under the able guidance of the late Kalinga Navada and Gopal Ganiga. He also learnt the art of Bhagawathike from K P Hegde at Hangarakatte Yskahgana centre. He is currently the chief Bhagawath of Saukoor Mela. He had earlier served Saligrama, Maranakatte, Bagwady, Mandarthi, Kamalashile and such other Yakshagana Melas. Sooralu, who also has considerable interest in literature, is also an accomplished saxophonist. Several CDs of his saxophone performance have been dedicated to the world so far.