News: Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Jun 15: Students of Dubai Yakshagana Abhyasa Tharagati (DYAT) along with guest artistes from Mangaluru successfully presented a full-fledged Yakshagana event titled ‘Lalithopakyana’ (based on the famous mythological Devi Mahatme) in association with Precious Parties & Entertainment on June 11 at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School, Oud Metha Road here.
Around 72 characters beautifully portrayed by over 50 artistes, ably directed by the stalwart Yakshaguru Mayura Shekar D Shettigar and presented by convener of DYAT, Dinesh Shetty Kottinja was worth watching by over 1,400 spectators. The rounds and rounds of applause made Yakshagana’s true presence in this part of the world after a long time. On the whole, ‘Dubai Yakshotsava 2022’ was a successful event which concluded with fervor as promised on the golden sands of Dubai.
The event was inaugurated in a pure traditional way with ‘Lalitha Sahasranama’ recitation, Bhajan hymns and Chowki Pooja and the presentation over the colourful traditional stage set up which was lit with lights and lamps. The guests were invited onto the stage for the auspicious lighting of the lamp wherein the guests did the prayers and wished for success. A minute-long standing prayer was offered to all the departed souls during the pandemic period including prayer for the former President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who left to heavenly abode recently.
For the first time, DYAT presented ‘Yaksha Shri Raksha’ honorable award and the one who received the award this time was the well-known Yakshagana stalwart of Billawas, Prabhakar D Suvarna Karnire who was honoured by the guests on stage with Shawl, headgear, fruit basket, flower, honour certificate and memento. In return, Prabhakar Suvarna thanked the organisers for the award bestowed and promised more contribution in the future.
Invitee Yaksha couple Amritha Adiga and Kaushik Rao Puthige who presented the show with their soulful Bhagavathige and Chende-maddale (drums) respectively were honoured on the stage by the guests with shawl, headgear, fruit basket, flower, honour certificate and memento.
Yaksha Druva Patla Satish Shetty who was the star of the evening was also honoured with shawl, headgear, fruit basket, flower, honour certificate and memento by the guests on the stage.
All the sponsors of the evening were invited onto the stage and honoured with shawls and mementos. The main sponsor, Bhima Gold had contributed to all the honourees with gold coin and also chose lucky person of the evening with gold coin presentation.
It was a feast for all Yakshagana lovers and really surprising to see the tiny tots dressed in Yakshagana costumes, and presenting in rhythm and style which enthralled all the audiences who kept on cheering up during the performance. They had really practiced to perfection to present the show along with their experienced co-artistes who otherwise have shown their performance par excellence. To mention specially, the character of ‘Bandasura’ portrayed by the guest artiste was par excellence including his presence as Devi. Rest of the artistes had done justice to their roles.
The guests include Vasu Bhat Puthige, Sujath Shetty, Praveen Kumar Shetty, Sarvotham Shetty, Harish Sherigar, Harish Bangera, Gunasheel Shetty, Satish Poojary, Nagaraj Rao, Sudhakar Rao Pejavar, Athmanand Rai, Premnath Shetty, Vinod Kumar, Ramanand Shetty, Ramachandra Hegde, Ramesh Shetty, Manohar Tonse, Jayaram Rai, Sunder Shetty, Sudarshan Rai, Rashmikanth Shetty, Sandeep Rai Nanje, Ronald Martis, Yogish Prabhu and others.
At the end of the show, there was sumptuous buffet vegetarian dinner served to all the audiences.
A concluding ceremony was held on June 12 honoring the participants, media representatives and well-wishers of the programme which was held at Fortune Hotel, Ghusais.