Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SN/CN)

Udupi, Dec 19: Yakshagana artistes like Balkoor Krishnayyaji and Devdas Eshwara Mangala, were felicitated at Karje, recently.

The felicitation programme was held on the occasion of the Yakshagana Saligrama Mela.

Honouring the artistes, Vasudev Bhat, district chief secretary, Yakshanagana association, said that arts like Yakshagana must be encouraged to safeguard tradition and culture.

Shivkumar, president, Karje branch, presided over the function.

Arranging such a Yakshagana mela for the first time in Karje, has beneifted many and felicitating the artistes on the same platform is praiseworthy, said Sudhakar Shetty, member, Saligrama Mela.

Though both the association and Yakshagana melas are functioning in different styles, their purpose is protecting Hindu culture, said Balkoor Krishnayaji, artiste, receiving the felicitation.

More encouragement is expected from the audience, he said. K Krishna, co-ordinated the programme while Dinesh Hegde Perdoor and Ganeesh Kumar Cherkady were present on the occasion.