Coastal Karnataka’s signature folk dance performance Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form popular in coastal Karnataka districts. A trip to the coastal belt would be incomplete without watching the Yakshagana – an elaborate dance-drama performance unique to Karnataka.

yakshagana, dance-drama of South India, associated most strongly with the state of Karnataka. Elaborate and colourful costumes, makeup, and masks constitute some of the most-striking features of the art form. Traditionally, yakshagana was performed in the open air by all-male troupes sponsored by various Hindu temples.

In short, the intent of the Yakshagana natya (dance theatre) primarily is to convey the sthayi bhava (fundamental emotional state) and sanchari bhava (transient emotional state) of the song.

In the early 20th century yakshagana was taught in the village schools in Karnataka. It served as a tool to memorise the mythological stories on which the plays are based. Yakshagana mostly deals with heroic sequences from the Puranas and the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Yakshagana (Kannada: ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನ, ISO 15919: yakshagāna) is a traditional theater, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage …

Dollu Kunitha
The prominent folk dances of Karnataka are the Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha. Yakshagana is a folk theatre form of Karnataka wheras Kunitha are considered as the ritualistic dances of Karnataka. Dollu Kunitha is a major form of folk-dance performance in Karnataka.

Yakshagana is popular in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikkamagaluru . Yakshagana has become popular in Bengaluru in recent years, particularly in the rainy season, when there are few other forms of entertainment possible in the coastal districts.

Keremane Shivarama Hegde, the founder of the Yakshagana troupe, Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, is an exponent of the Badagutittu style of Yakshagana.

Classical Dance in India

The name literally translates to music (gana) of celestial beings (Yaksha). And that is what a Yakshagana dance typically is. Performers in elaborate costumes dance to the beating of drums and a heady intonation of songs and mantras. The performance usually happens at night which makes the atmosphere even more electric.

Yakshagana is a theatrical form of presenting Mythological and historical stories. A Yakshagana performance includes music, dance and dialogues. The word Yakshgana means the songs of the Demi-Gods (yaksh ‘meaning Demi-God, and ‘gana’ meaning song). The performers wear interesting and colourful costumes, and elaborate headgears.

In 13th century, a Sage named Narahari Thirtha started Dashavathara performance in Udupi, which later developed into the Yakshagana of today. The Play: The lively performance full of dance and drama has poetic songs sung by the chief musician known as the’ Bhagvata’ who controls the narrative.

Regardless of where the Yakshagana is performed, at the back of the stage there is always a raised bench or table on which two persons ( bhagavata or the playback singer and maddalegara, the artist who plays the percussion instrument maddale) can sit. Some space is allowed on either side of the bench for the entry and exit of characters.