Sri Venkata Krishna Kshetra Temple & Kannada Sangha of Arizona, has performed Yakshagana - Seetaapaharana by Guru Sri Keremene Shivananda Hegde and his 10 member troupe at SVK Temple on Friday May 06, 2016.

Idagunji Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali Keremane Troupe is based in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It was started by Keremane Shivarama Hegde in the year 1934. He is an exponent of this art form and is the first Yakshagana artist to win the Rashtrapati Award.

Yakshagana is a folk art mostly performed in the coastal districts of the state of Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts) and western parts of Shimoga district. This folk art is usually performed in the night and involves dances and dialogues with the accompaniment of music from traditional musical instruments like chande, maddale and tala. The unique aspect of the art is the use of elaborate headgear and dresses by the performers. The stories are usually based on mythology and the epics.

Yakshagana performed at the SVK temple was attended by around 200 people. The audience enjoyed the performance. The unique presentation, with loud music, strong steps and prominent action was very much admired by the audience. The occasion became a platform to understand the tradition and heritage of Hindustan.

By Premji