Mumbai: 44th Annual Mahotsava of Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali concludes

By Manoj Shetty Nakre
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 23 February 2011: “We all need to visualise our native traditional Yakshagana spiritually and then we can understand the true value of Yakshagana. Being the residents of Mumbai we all have to encourage Yakshagana and with that we can respect the selfless contributions of our elders who have preserved this art. It is pleasing that currently there is lots of support for Yakshagana art. For example at the popular Kateel mela there are 5 melas, but to have an exclusive Yakshagana being performed in the current situation one has to wait for years” said G. T. Acharya - President of Goregaov Karnataka Sangha.

 

He was speaking in his presidential address at the program conducted on the occasion of 44th Annual Mahotsava of Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali  program on Sunday 20th February 2011 at Sri Anandababa Ashram premises. He also said that, the award in memory of Guru late Sri Devadatha Bhuvaji, to the outstanding achiever among the Yakshagana artists is rightly awarded to the popular Yakshagana comedy artist Raja R. Thumbe as he is eligible for it. Explaining on the tulu Yakshagana Sri Shani Mahathme he opinioned that it is wrong to have the impression that Shani God is the one giving trouble, in fact it is the God who helps in overcoming the troubles.

 

Cheif Archaka of the Jerimeri Sri Umamaheshwari Mandir Sri. S. N. Udupa was the Chief Guest. Other guests and dignitaries present on the dias were Businessman Madhava Shetty, Secretary of Tulu Kannada Welfare Association Dinesh K. Devadiga, Businessman & Supporter Kanthappa Poojary, Local Netha Eshwar Thaide and Mandali President Nithyaprakash N. Shetty and Pooja Samithi President Mohan Gujaran.

 

In his speech S. N. Udupa said that in the society trust and affection is important and he appreciated the countless devotees who and children who actively participated in this event. He also explained on the conducting of event united and gave example of G. T. Acharya and he wished the Mandali to prosper further.

 

Sri Devadatha Bhuvaji Yakshagana Prashasti, which is being given every year in memory of late  Sri Devadatha Bhuvaji, is given to popular Yakshagana comedy artist Raja R. Thumbe and he was honoured. Also Mandali honoured Senior Socialworker Raghu M. Shetty and Mandali Chief Bhagavatha Sadashiv M. Chandan on this occassion.

 

Upon receiving the award Raja R. Thumbe spoke and said that it is not true that the Yakshagana is diminishing, instead it is fast growing art. Many Kannada and Tulu societies are supporting Yakshagana to grow. We shall always support those societies and together we should preserve this art and keep our ancestors in our memory always. He also thanked the Mandali for choosing him for this award.

 

Baskara Sahihithlu compeered the program and also proposed vote of thanks. Manoj Shetty Nakre read the honour letters. Before the program Lalitha Sahasranama was conducted by women members and various cultural and classical programs were performed by children. Finally Tulu Yakshagana Sri Shaneeshwara Mahathme was performed by Mandali members.