Mangaluru: Senior Yakshagana artistes Kappekere Subraya Bhagavatha, Yakshagana guru Mambadi Subrahmanya Bhat, and veteran arthadhari Jabbar Samo have been selected for the Yakshamangala Award 2025–26. The awards are instituted by the Dr P Dayananda Pai – P Sathish Pai Yakshagana Adhyayana Kendra of Mangalore University.
In addition, the book “Balipa Marga haagu Agari Marga” authored by Krishna Prakash Ulithaya has been chosen for the Yakshamangala Krithi Award for the year. The announcement was made by the university authorities on Wednesday.
The Yakshamangala Award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000 each, along with a citation and felicitation. The Yakshamangala Krithi Award includes a cash prize of ₹10,000, besides a citation and felicitation.
Recognition for contribution to Yakshagana
The Yakshamangala Award recognises distinguished service and lifelong contribution to Yakshagana, the traditional theatre art form of coastal Karnataka known for its elaborate costumes, music, dialogue delivery and mythological narratives.
Kappekere Subraya Bhagavatha is widely respected for his mastery as a Bhagavatha, the lead singer and narrator in Yakshagana performances. Mambadi Subrahmanya Bhat has earned recognition as a dedicated guru who has trained several students in the art form over the decades. Veteran arthadhari Jabbar Samo is known for his powerful stage presence and nuanced portrayal of characters.
The Yakshamangala Krithi Award for the book “Balipa Marga haagu Agari Marga” acknowledges scholarly contribution to Yakshagana literature and research. The work by Krishna Prakash Ulithaya is regarded as an important study documenting stylistic traditions within the art form.
Selection committee finalises awardees
The selection committee was chaired by noted folklorist Dr K. Chinnappa Gowda. Other members of the committee included Prof Padekallu Vishnu Bhat, Yakshagana organiser Murali Kadekar, and Centre Director Dr Dhananjaya Kumble. The committee unanimously finalised the names of the awardees after reviewing their contributions and credentials.
Registrar Prof Ganesh Sanjeev and Yakshagana Centre Director Dr Dhananjaya Kumble stated that the awards will be presented at a समारोह scheduled to be held in March. The exact date of the function will be announced shortly.
They said the awards aim to honour senior artistes and scholars who have significantly enriched Yakshagana through performance, training, writing and research.
₹1 crore grant for Yakshagana research
In a major boost to Yakshagana studies, Vice-Chancellor Prof P. L. Dharma announced that Dayananda Pai of Bengaluru has committed a special grant of ₹1 crore to expand Yakshagana study and research at the Dr Dayananda Pai–Satish Pai Yakshagana Centre of Mangalore University.
The grant is expected to support research projects, documentation, training programmes and archival initiatives related to Yakshagana. University authorities said the financial assistance would strengthen institutional efforts to preserve and promote the traditional art form at an academic level.
Dayananda Pai is scheduled to attend the Yakshamangala Award ceremony in March, during which he will formally hand over the grant to the university.
Strengthening cultural heritage
University officials observed that the combined recognition of artistes and scholars, along with the announcement of substantial financial support, marks an important step in safeguarding Yakshagana for future generations.
They noted that structured research, documentation and academic engagement are essential to ensure that traditional art forms continue to thrive amid changing cultural landscapes.
The upcoming Yakshamangala Award ceremony is expected to bring together artistes, scholars, students and patrons of Yakshagana in celebration of excellence and commitment to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.