Karnataka: Inaugural state-level Yakshagana Sammelana begins in Udupi

The first ever state-level Yakshagana Sammelana was inaugurated by MoS for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje.

ByPTI

Published Feb 12, 2023 | 3:31 PMUpdatedFeb 12, 2023 | 3:31 PM

Shobha Karandlaje. (ShobhaBJP/Twitter)

The first ever state-level Yakshagana Sammelana was inaugurated in Udupi by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shobha Karandlaje.

Addressing the gathering, Karandlaje said Udupi and the entire Karavali region had always supported Yakshagana Melas which is part of the lifeline of the region.

Yakshagana has a magnetic attraction and more young people should be attracted to the art form so that they can understand mythology and folklore. Yakshagana should be taught in schools all over Karnataka to enable students to learn about their culture, history and mythological tales, she said.

The Yakshagana art should not be seen merely from a religious angle, she said, adding it is imperative to preserve the rich heritage of the art form.

A grand procession was also held as part of the event. Social activist Nadoja G Shanker flagged off the procession at the Kadiyali Shree Mahishamardini temple.

Various stalls related to Yakshagana are organised as part of the event. M Prabhakar Joshi, president of the event, was also present.

State Minister for Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar, Backward Classes Commission President Jayaprakash Hegde, Udupi city municipal council president Sumithra Nayak and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Pro-Chancellor HS Ballal were among those present at the inaugural function.

Also read: Kantara’s Rishab Shetty, others set to appear before police

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)