The Karnataka Yakshagana Academy has announced its list of awardees for 2023, with Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarna being selected for the prestigious ‘Parthisubba Prashasthi.’ The announcement was made by the Academy’s President, Tallur Shivaram Shetty, who outlined the significant contributions of the awardees to the rich cultural tradition of Yakshagana. The ‘Parthisubba Prashasthi,’ considered one of the highest honours in the Yakshagana art form, carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Suvarna’s selection for this award underscores his outstanding contributions to Yakshagana, an ancient and traditional theatre form that blends dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes. His artistry and dedication have made a profound impact on the preservation and promotion of this unique cultural heritage, making him a deserving recipient of the prestigious award.
Honorary Awards for Yakshagana Artistes
In addition to Suvarna’s recognition, the Yakshagana Academy has selected several notable artistes for its honorary awards. These awards carry a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each and are aimed at recognising individuals who have dedicated their lives to the promotion of Yakshagana. The artistes selected for this year’s honorary awards include:
- Dinesh Ammannaya
- M Jabbar Samo
- Polya Lakshminarayana Shetty
- Chennappa Gowda Sajipa
- Moodalapaya Yakshagaana Bhagavatha Narayanappa A R
These individuals have made significant contributions to the Yakshagana art form, enriching its tradition through their performances and mentorship.
Yakshasiri Annual Awards
The Yakshagana Academy will also confer its Yakshasiri annual awards, recognising another set of accomplished performers. This award, which comes with a cash prize of Rs 25,000, will be given to:
- Raghunath Shetty Bayaru
- Diwakar Dasa Kavalakarre
- Subraya Patali Sampaje
- Naradi Bhojaraja Shetty
- Sadananda Prabhu
- Holemage Nagappa Marakala
- Shiralagi Thimmappa Hegde
- Babu Kulal Halladi
- Shivaiah
- Jeeyappa
The Yakshasiri awards celebrate the diverse talents in Yakshagana, recognising performers and teachers who have contributed to its continuous evolution.
Special Prizes and Book Awards
The Academy will also confer the Dattinidhi Prashasthi and Karki Hiriya Paramayya Hasyagara Prashasthi awards, both of which come with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. These awards will be given to Gopalakrishna Shankar Bhat Jogimane, recognising his excellence in the field.
Additionally, the Academy has recognised literary contributions to the Yakshagana tradition. Vidwan Ganapathi Bhat and Manorama B N have been selected for the **pusthaka bahumana** (book honours) for 2022, while Sathish G Naik and H Sujayindra Hande have been selected for the same award for 2023. The winners of these literary awards will also receive a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each.
Award Ceremony in Mangaluru
The awards ceremony will be held at the Town Hall in Mangaluru, likely during the second or third week of November. This event will not only honour the achievements of the awardees but also bring attention to the enduring importance of Yakshagana in Karnataka’s cultural landscape.
The Yakshagana Academy, through its recognition of exceptional talent, continues to play a pivotal role in preserving this traditional art form and encouraging future generations to engage with and sustain its legacy.