Yakṣagaṇa

Introduction

Yakshagana is basically a visual art. We can find the origin and theatre of this art in North and South Kannada district.

This is a folk art form known in all Taluks of the northern and southern Kannada districts. It consists of predominantly dance and songs. Because of utilization of music, facial expression, dance, and performance, it is a complete art. Those who tell the song are called Bhagavatas and those who act accordingly to the songs are called Veshadharis.

Yakshagana means a type of storytelling. The Bhagavatas tune the poems already written in accordance with some of the epics of Mahabharata or Ramayana. It has accompaniment accompanied by CHANDE and harmonium. The protagonist of what matters is to show the performance of the character. The meaning of that poem is said in the textual Kannada after the dance. Usually, two or more characters are found on stage and dialogue takes place. The same character is partially assisted to demonstrate the upcoming situation....