Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (HB/SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 7: There are over 20 professional Yakshagana Melas in Dakshina Kannada district, which are following the Thenku Thittu style of Yakshagana. These Melas have over a thousand artistes and employ a large number of workers for various purposes.

Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, has instructed the officials, artistes, and managers of the Yakshagana Melas to be ready to undertake tours with effect from November end, duly complying with COVID-19 rules. He told them to make advance preparations for the same.

He was speaking at a meeting organized on Tuesday October 5, at the auditorium of the office of the deputy commissioner here.

On behalf of Yakshagana artistes, renowned Bhagwat, Patla Sathish Shetty, Sarapady Ashok Shetty, Ujire Ashok Bhat and Seetharam Kumar, a Rajyotsava awardee who is well known artiste for jester roles, addressed the meeting. They said that due to the suspension of shows by professional Melas, the lives of artistes have become unbearable. They urged the government to extend a helping hand to artistes who have been suffering a lot due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kateel temple managing trustee, Hari Asranna, said that all the six Melas of Kateel have prepared to start holding performances on time. Several people identified with Bappanadu and Sasihithlu Melas explained about the plight of artistes and professional Melas during the corona restrictions. There was also a demand to create additional Melas if any of the current Melas stop functioning, under the temples under the muzrai department having enough resources.

Minister Kota Srinvias Poojary said that the government will extend support to the artistes to ensure that none of the artistes working in Melas face any problems.

Deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner in the muzrai department were present at the meeting.