Udupi: The Yaksha Nakshatra Trust, Kiradi, is set to host its third anniversary celebration, “Kiradi Yaksha Pranati-2025”, on August 17 at Mandarthi Shedi Kodu Durga Sannidhi, announced Prakash Mogaveera Kiradi, founder president of the trust, at a press conference.
As part of the celebrations, the prestigious Yaksha Nakshatra Award 2025 will be conferred on renowned presenter Kandavar Raghuram Shetty, while the Yaksha Nakshatra Kalaposhaka Award 2025 will be presented to Krishnamurthy Manjaru Maranakatte.
The event will also honor senior artists including Devadasa Shenoy Argodu, M.K. Ramesh Acharya, Naradi Bhojaraja Shetty, Ramesh Belturu, and Sadashiva Shettygar Siddhakatte Naguru Sheena Devadiga with the Yaksha Pranati Award. Additionally, the Prosperity Award will be given to talented artists such as Shashikant Shetty Karkala, Eshwar Naik Monkey, Dr. Prakhyat Shetty, Sudhakar Kothari Yaljith, Ganesh Naik Edamoge, and Govinda Vandaru.
The day-long program will begin at 9:30 am with a Chowki Puja, followed by Saptaswara musical presentation “Sarigamapada” by Prof. Pawan Kirankere. Traditional performances of Tenku and Badagutittina Bhagavatam will also be staged.
At 11:30 am, the main assembly will be inaugurated by Dhananjaya Shetty, hereditary Muktasar of Mandarthi Temple, while businessman and art patron Krishnamurthy Manjaru Maranakkatte will preside. Yakshagana artist Vasudeva Rangabhat will deliver the felicitation address.
Cultural programs include Yaksheshwari Yakshagana troupe’s Sudarshan Vijaya (2 pm), Leelamanush Vigraha Yakshagana (3 pm), and Kayakalpa Yakshagana by Amrutha Someshwara (after 4 pm), under the assembly presided over by former Home Minister Araga Gyanendra.
Yakshagana stalwarts Santosh Hilian, Sandesh Shetty RD, Prashant Mogaveera Nadur, Nagaraj Kunder Nadur, Ashok Kunder Mandarthi, and Prasanna Shettigar were also present at the press meet.