File photo of Yakshagana performance.
Mangaluru: The Kateel Yakshagana Mela, a key part of cultural and religious life in Coastal Karnataka, will commence its annual tour today.
Known for its six dedicated troupes—the highest for any Yakshagana Mela in the state—the Kateel Mela has become synonymous with the traditional art form, captivating audiences year after year.
Yakshagana, a unique blend of theater, music, and dance, is not just an art form here—it is a deeply spiritual offering. The end of the monsoon ushers in the Yakshagana season, with various melas (Yakshagana teams) embarking on tours across villages.
For the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Dashavatara Yakshagana Mandali or Kateel Mela, this journey carries the dual purpose of entertaining and honoring Goddess Kateelamma.
Kateel, a quaint village 20 kilometers from Mangaluru, is home to the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, nestled on an island formed by the River Nandini. The temple, a hub of devotion, sees Yakshagana as a cherished seva (offering) by devotees. While the exact origins of the Kateel Yakshagana tradition remain unclear, it is believed to date back about two centuries.
Initially, there was only one troupe, but as the demand for Yakshagana performances grew, the number of troupes expanded. Today, Kateel Mela has six troupes performing across the district and beyond.
"This year, the Mela will have 1,080 shows during 182 days (Of this 500 plus are of those who organize Yakshagana every year and 240 are under Tatkal booking). On the first and last days, the performances will be held in the temple. The rest will be staged in villages across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada districts, and even in Kasargod, Kerala. The performances are booked well in advance, with over 8,000 sevas in the pipeline, translating to nearly 20 years of planned shows,” explained temple hereditary archak Sriharinarayanadasa Asranna.
Each Yakshagana performance revolves around a prasanga (narrative). The Kateel Mela’s most popular Prasanga is 'Sri Devi Mahatme', which tells the story of the Mother Goddess. Other frequently performed prasangas include 'Kateelu Kshetra Mahatme,' depicting the origin and glory of the temple deity.
Performances can be organized by devotees in their villages or held at the Kateel itself, which has two dedicated venues, Saraswati Sadana and Mahalakshmi Sadana. While Yakshagana traditionally spanned entire nights, modern performances are now tailored to conclude by midnight, catering to contemporary schedules.
However, on the first day today- the event will be held overnight. All the six troupes will perform at Kateel. From tomorrow they will start their tour to various places.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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