Yakshagana – Perfect example of art and
cultural heritage.
India, Bharath, Hindustan indeed a place of rich cultural heritage. The place which has given birth to many of the stories, landscapes, heroes, believers, achievers and many more.
The land which has given lot of cultures since centuries. Since the days of Mahabharatha, Ramayana India has seen lots of culturally enriched arts and culture.
It would take more than a book to explain the cultural richness of Hindustan.
Coming right to the topic Yakshagana: It’s one of the dance form which is originated in South Karnataka, India. Mainly played in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kundapur, Kumta and Sirsi. Yakshagana is popularly known as gandu kale, which means male art, since this dance form is male dominant.
Here men who are an Yakshagana artists are known for their dancing, talking, acting skills. Yakshagana is the mixture of dance, art, storytelling and acting.
Yakshangana, is played mostly at night, were all the art lovers gather infront of the temporary built stage. The art is dedicated to the respective temples. Devotees pray to the god for prosper and once they get an opportunity they will organise this play for public view devoting to the god. The dance/ story telling goes on entire night.
The story mostly played will be historical, devotional and comical. Most of the epic Hindu stories played on demand. Along with the characters from Mahabharath, Garuda Purana, Shiva Purana and Ramayana are viewed with great interest.
Devi Mahathme, is the most played story in Yakshagana. The story of mother Durga killing Mahishasura and along with that many demons are the highlight. However, Kalaga and Kalyana is two important aspects which is primarily played in any play.
Few examples of Kalaga would be: Sudanva Kalaga, Lava Kusha Kalaga, Abhimanyu Kalaga to name few. Meenakshi Kalyana, Rati Kalyana, Kanakangi kalyana are amongst Kalyanas.
A typical Yakshagana performance consists of background music played by a group of musicians known as the himmela and a dance and dialog group known as the mummela, who together enact on stage. The himmela is made up of a lead singer (bhagawata)—who also directs the act. Additional himmela members are players of traditional musical instruments, such as the maddale (hand drum), the pungi (pipe), the organ, and the chande (loud drums).
The artist who enacts the act are known as veshadaries. There is no cut and action play, the play goes live and filled with lots of fun and action along with dialogues.
Yakshagana is played in two forms, Bayalata and tent. The early 20th century saw the birth of 'tent' troupes, giving performances to audiences made up of common people who were admitted by ticket. These troupes were responsible for the commercialization of Yakshagana. The genre saw major changes in form and organization. Electrical lights replaced the gas lights; seating arrangements improved.
Languages: Yakshagana is played in two languages, Kannada being the main form and Tulu is another.
Forms:
There are two major variations which divide the yakshagana and its audience,
The land which has given lot of cultures since centuries. Since the days of Mahabharatha, Ramayana India has seen lots of culturally enriched arts and culture.
It would take more than a book to explain the cultural richness of Hindustan.
Coming right to the topic Yakshagana: It’s one of the dance form which is originated in South Karnataka, India. Mainly played in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kundapur, Kumta and Sirsi. Yakshagana is popularly known as gandu kale, which means male art, since this dance form is male dominant.
Here men who are an Yakshagana artists are known for their dancing, talking, acting skills. Yakshagana is the mixture of dance, art, storytelling and acting.
Yakshangana, is played mostly at night, were all the art lovers gather infront of the temporary built stage. The art is dedicated to the respective temples. Devotees pray to the god for prosper and once they get an opportunity they will organise this play for public view devoting to the god. The dance/ story telling goes on entire night.
The story mostly played will be historical, devotional and comical. Most of the epic Hindu stories played on demand. Along with the characters from Mahabharath, Garuda Purana, Shiva Purana and Ramayana are viewed with great interest.
Devi Mahathme, is the most played story in Yakshagana. The story of mother Durga killing Mahishasura and along with that many demons are the highlight. However, Kalaga and Kalyana is two important aspects which is primarily played in any play.
Few examples of Kalaga would be: Sudanva Kalaga, Lava Kusha Kalaga, Abhimanyu Kalaga to name few. Meenakshi Kalyana, Rati Kalyana, Kanakangi kalyana are amongst Kalyanas.
A typical Yakshagana performance consists of background music played by a group of musicians known as the himmela and a dance and dialog group known as the mummela, who together enact on stage. The himmela is made up of a lead singer (bhagawata)—who also directs the act. Additional himmela members are players of traditional musical instruments, such as the maddale (hand drum), the pungi (pipe), the organ, and the chande (loud drums).
The artist who enacts the act are known as veshadaries. There is no cut and action play, the play goes live and filled with lots of fun and action along with dialogues.
Yakshagana is played in two forms, Bayalata and tent. The early 20th century saw the birth of 'tent' troupes, giving performances to audiences made up of common people who were admitted by ticket. These troupes were responsible for the commercialization of Yakshagana. The genre saw major changes in form and organization. Electrical lights replaced the gas lights; seating arrangements improved.
Languages: Yakshagana is played in two languages, Kannada being the main form and Tulu is another.
Forms:
There are two major variations which divide the yakshagana and its audience,
Thenkutittu,
Badagutittu.
The tenkutittu style, is prevalent in Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod District, western parts of Coorg (Sampaje), and few areas of Udupi district. Rhythms of the chande and maddale coupled with the chakrataala and jaagate of the bhaagavatha create an excellent symphonic sound. The dance form in tenkutittu strikes the attention of the audience by 'Dheengina' or 'Guttu'. Performers often do dhiginas (jumping spins in the air) and will continuously spin (sometimes) hundreds of times. Tenkutittu is noted for its incredible dance steps; its high-flying dance moves; and its extravagant rakshasas (demons)
The Badagutittu style is prevalent in North Canara (Uttara Kannada District) and the northern parts of South Canara from Kundapura to Byndoor, The Badagutittu school of Yakshagana places more emphasis on facial expressions, matugarike (dialogues), and dances appropriate for the character depicted in the episode. It makes use of a typical Karnataka chande.
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Prashanth Shetty Nailadi
Yakshagana is the pride of India and it is our primary duty to preserve it and enrich it to our next generation to come.
Yakshagana Gelge, Yakshagana Baalge.
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