Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SN/CN)

Udupi, Nov 24: The ‘Sri Veerabhadra Swami Dashavatara Yakshagana Mandali’ staged its ‘mela’ performance at Hiriyadka Temple on the night of Sunday November 23.

The Mandali gave its first such performance after a gap of six and a half decades, dedicating it to the service of the deity. Charukeerti Swamiji of the Jain Math, Moodbidri, blessed the mela with success and said that the temples played a significant role in safeguarding the art of Yakshagana. 

Kumble Sundar Rao, president, Yakshagana Academy, presided over the occasion.

Dr M Mohan Alva, president, Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri, S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president, Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, and P Ramanath Hegde, Dharmadarshi, Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore, were the chief guests.

Kabyadi Jayaram Acharya, astrologer, wished the Hiriyadka Mela all success. Mambettu, Balakrishna Hegde, Dharmadarshi, Hiriyadka Temple, and P Kishan Hegde, convener of the mela, were present on the occasion. K Nataraj Hegde welcomed the gathering while Ranganath Bhat proposed vote of thanks. Ramesh Begaru compered the programme.