Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 30: Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, the Middle East's first and only comprehensive Yakshagana training institution, is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a series of prestigious cultural and devotional programmes in the homeland of Yakshagana, coastal Karnataka.
As part of the celebrations, the artistes and students of the Dubai-based institution will offer 'Gejje Seve' at the divine abode of Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, on Sunday, August 2, at 1:20 pm at Saraswathi Sadan, Rathabeedi, Kateel. This traditional devotional offering marks the beginning of the institution's cultural journey in Karnataka.
The second programme will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at 5:45 pm at the Dr V S Acharya Auditorium, Alva's College, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri. Organised in association with the Alva's Dheenkita Yakshagana Study Centre, the event forms part of the 75th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr M Mohan Alva, president of Alva's Education Foundation. The programme will feature a Yakshagana performance by the artistes of Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, followed by a felicitation ceremony honouring Dr M Mohan Alva for his outstanding contribution to education and culture.
The concluding programme will take place on Saturday, August 8, at 1:20 pm at the Mahathobara Shree Mangaladevi Temple Auditorium, Mangaluru. The event will include Gejje Seve in the presence of Goddess Mangaladevi, followed by the prestigious 'Yaksha Shree Raksha' felicitation ceremony, during which distinguished personalities who have rendered notable service to the field of Yakshagana will be honoured.
For the past 11 years, Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Yakshagana among the Indian diaspora in the UAE. Returning to the birthplace of Yakshagana with its students and artistes to present these performances is a matter of immense pride and joy for the institution and Yakshagana enthusiasts alike.
Dinesh Shetty Kottinja, convener of Yakshagana Abhyasa Kendra UAE, has cordially invited Yakshagana lovers, devotees, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public to attend all three programmes and make them a grand success.