Mangalore: Thousands witness unique Yakshagana show at Jeppu
Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Feb 9: 'Sri Devi Mahatme' Yakshagana play by Dashavatara Yakshagana Mandali of Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple was performed on Saturday, February 8 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, Veeragaase Kunitha from Bangalore and fire stunts, along with idols of deities worshiped during the Yakshagana.
Mahapuja was performed in the afternoon, followed by high lunch for which nearly 5,000 people gathered. Puja was held at 8.30 pm, followed by distribution of 'prasad' to all.
The Yakshagana play was performed soon after the night puja. A massive crowd of thousands flocked to the grounds to watch the performance, a record for any Yakshagana play staged in the district.
Spectacular firework display from the beginning to the end of the play was another highlight that made the show a unique one.
History
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, and credit is due to the hard work and true dedication of the team which consists of members from all communities.
With the new team taking over, Yakshagana play got 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 Majila Hattu Samstharu donated the labour charge and the gold expenses of the two new crowns of the newly introduced 6th troupe.
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, topping it up with a spectacular performance.
The procession, the grand entry of Mahishasura, Chanda Munda etc, spectacular firework display, special 'annasantharpane' etc are some of the features that has made the “Majila Aata” unique.
In the year 2000, three famous local personalities, D A Rahman, Eric Ozario and Kamalaksha Amin, irrespective of religion were felicitated on the occasion.
In 2005, the team donated Rs 10,000 each to two local schools in the area, and this is how it began its service to society. During the same year, two famous personalities of Yakshagana, Bhagvathas Balipa and Kubanur Sridhar Rao were felicitated, which also included financial aid.
In 2007, a silver arch (Prabhavali) worth Rs 60,000 was offered to the fourth Mela of Kateel Yashagana Mandali. It is after this, all the other three troupes at Kateel Yakshagana Mela received the silver Prabhavali by the Mela management.
From 2010, financial support of Rs 25,000 to the Yakshagana troupe artistes welfare fund (Kshema Nidhi) has been given every year. A silver cradle for the newly formed fifth Mela was offered by the Majila Hatthu Samastharu at a cost of nearly Rs 4,00,000.
In the year 2012, a gold chain worth Rs 1,80,000 was offered to the Mela, with Rs 25,000 to the welfare fund.
From the past three years, Rs 25,000 has been donated towards the welfare fund which is utilized for medical aid, especially during the monsoons when there is no Yakshagana play.
Last year, the team has decided to donate Rs 1,00,333 for the welfare fund. This year, the Majila Hattu Samstharu donated the labour charge and the gold expenses of the two new crowns of the newly introduced 6th troupe.
The team is a role model for upholding communal harmony through its Yakshagana play and the whole show is termed as 'Majilada Aata'.
Yakshagana Bayalata in Majila has indeed set a trend in many ways with distribution of food, Kshema Nidhi and so on.