Dance, Music, and Dialogue! Yakshagana is a form of folk theatre that seamlessly blends all these elements. Being one of the most cherished cultural possessions of the coastal districts of Karnataka, Yakshagana artistes are among those who have been hit hard due to pandemic. Covid lockdown is definitely “an unimaginable setback” to the artistes and others dependent on Yakshagana.
The traditional calendar of Yakshagana troupes begin in December and ends by May. During this period, they tour different places in the Coastal and Malnad areas to showcase their performances. “Professional Yakshagana ‘melas’ (troupes) were forced to give up their daily performances midway in April owing to COVID – 19 and the lockdown restrictions that ensued. To help the Yakshagana artistes, who have been left without work due to the COVID – 19 lockdown the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust has distributed food kits to them in Mangaluru.
Speaking to News Karnataka trust General Secretary Purushothama Bhandary said that ” The food and grocery kit includes 25 kg rice bag and all the 18 essential items. Mangaluru unit of the foundation has distributed kits to more than 40 Yakshgana artistes. Different units of the Foundation will disburse groceries to Yakshagana artistes of the Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Kasargod districts in the coming days.”
“Even last year amid lockdown we have distributed food kits to more than 1000 families of Yakshagana artistes, this year we will extend our help to the artistes of 6 districts. We will provide food kits to more than 2000 families, he said.
Apart from this, every year we will provide financial assistance to the Yakshagana artistes in the form of insurance, aids for building houses, medical insurance among othets. During Patla Sambhrama honorarium will be distributed to them. Children of Yakshagana artistes will be awarded scholarships and talent awards as well, he added.
