Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Sep 20: The resounding beats of Yakshagana echoed across the desert land of the Gulf as ‘Yaksha Sambhrama 2025’ enthralled audiences with the devotional episode ‘Shabarimala Swami Ayyappa’.
The mother organization of Yakshagana in Dubai, Yakshamitraru Dubai, established in 2003 under the leadership of team convener Chidananda Poojary, celebrated its 22nd annual festival on September 14, at the Emirates Theatre, Dubai. The grand event was held on an electrically illuminated stage.
During the celebrations, the devotional Yakshagana prasanga ‘Shabarimala Swami Ayyappa’ was magnificently presented, captivating the audience with thunderous applause. For the past two decades, Yakshamitraru Dubai has been relentlessly working to preserve and promote the coastal Karnataka’s traditional art form of Yakshagana in the Gulf region.
The programme began with traditional rituals including pooja, bhajans, and Choukta pooja, under the leadership of Puttige Vasudeva Bhat, Bhavani Shankar M R, Venkatesh Shashi Puttige, and Santosh Rao. The inauguration took place through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by dignitaries.
The stage programme was graced by dignitaries including Vasudeva Bhat (Puttige), Harish Bangera, Praveen Kumar Shetty, Harish Sherigar, Divakar Shetty, Padmaraj Ekkar, and Satish Poojary. Team convener Chidananda Poojary along with senior members Ravi Kotian, Satish Shetty, Daya Kirodian, Jayanth Shetty, Ashok Tonse, and Dinesh Poojary were also present.
The Yakshagana began in the traditional poorvaranga style. Children, youth, and performers adorned in mythological costumes added charm to the programme, making it a vibrant cultural feast.
The main attraction of the event was the Yakshagana prasanga ‘Shabarimala Swami Ayyappa’, performed by students of Yakshamitraru Dubai under the direction of Yakshaguru Kishore Gatti Uchila.
Renowned artistes enriched the show – Bhagavatha Balipa Shivshankar Bhat enthralled with his soulful singing, while Bharath Raj Shetty Siddakatte (Chende), Subrahmanya Bhat Delantha Majalu (Maddale), and Samart Udupa (Maddale) provided powerful rhythmic support.
Acclaimed performers Ganesh Chandramandala, Rakshit Shetty Padre, and Akshay Bhat Shirthady impressed the audience with their acting skills. The variety of costumes and stage decorations by Jayanth Paivalike and Prasad Kayarkatte added further grandeur to the show.
Chief guest Dr B R Shetty, who attended the event, expressed joy over participating in the 22nd-year celebration of Yakshamitraru Dubai. He recalled being a witness to their earlier programmes as well and lauded their dedication and commitment to preserving culture.
On the same occasion, founding member Giridhar Nayak was specially honoured.
The event was compered by Rajneesh Amin, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Akshay Kulal. Chidananda Poojary expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, media, and well-wishers. He noted that the survival of Yakshagana in the Gulf is the result of a collective effort.
The grand celebration was not just a cultural programme but also stood as a living testimony to how traditional art forms can transcend borders and thrive globally.