Yakshagana
Yakshagana
The elaborate headgears are decorated differently for Kings and for the demons. The makeup of the demons is done to bring out their demonic character.
The full ensemble of a Yakshagana consists of a minimum of 15 people, which include the musicians, the actors and the narrator.
Most events run overnight from sunset to sunrise and patrons get to enjoy the elaborate performance and cultural extravaganza.
It is originally staged in the compound of a temple where the “Rangasthalla” (stage) is adorned with leaves of mango, plantain, flowers, coconut and coloured paper add to the festive look.
Thus Yakshagana heritage and pride of Karnataka state...
Yakshagana is a theatrical form of presenting Mythological and historical stories. A Yakshagana performance includes music, dance and dialogues.
The word Yakshgana means the songs of the Demi-Gods.
It is believed to have originated in the coastal districts of Karnataka. The true representation of the poems enacted in these plays is attributed to have started during the Vaishnav Bhakti movement in the 11th century.
The word Yakshgana means the songs of the Demi-Gods.
It is believed to have originated in the coastal districts of Karnataka. The true representation of the poems enacted in these plays is attributed to have started during the Vaishnav Bhakti movement in the 11th century.
In 13th century, a Sage named Narahari Thirtha started Dashavathara performance in Udupi, which later developed into the Yakshagana of today.
The lively performance full of dance and drama has poetic songs sung by the chief musician known as the 'Bhagvata' who controls the narrative.
The lively performance full of dance and drama has poetic songs sung by the chief musician known as the 'Bhagvata' who controls the narrative.
The performance also includes background music played by a group of musicians known as “Himmela”. The background music consists of a mix of drums, pipes and organs.
The prasangas or stories are mostly based on the Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Puranas.
Yakshaganas are also performed on significant events of the lives of historical legends.The mythological characters and various incarnations of Gods and Goddesses take the viewer in to a surreal world.
In Yakshagana the men portray both male and female characters.
The prasangas or stories are mostly based on the Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Puranas.
In Yakshagana the men portray both male and female characters.
Most events run overnight from sunset to sunrise and patrons get to enjoy the elaborate performance and cultural extravaganza.
It is originally staged in the compound of a temple where the “Rangasthalla” (stage) is adorned with leaves of mango, plantain, flowers, coconut and coloured paper add to the festive look.
- Shamita Prashanth
