Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 10: Karnataka Yakshagana Academy has announced the list of recipients for the Parthisubba Award, honour awards, Yakshasiri annual awards, endowment award and book prizes for 2025. The presentation ceremony will be held on December 21 at Shri Janardhana and Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady, Udupi district.
As per government guidelines, the academy has selected five achievers for the honour award, ten artistes for the Yakshasiri annual award, one recipient for the Karki Hiriyara Paramayya humourist endowment award, and three authors for the annual book prize.
Honour award winners
The honour awards for 2025 have been conferred on:
• Ranjala Ramakrishna Rao – Senior Yakshagana writer, researcher and critic known for his extensive work in folk literature and textual documentation.
• Vishnu Achari Balakooru – Veteran Mukha Kalakar and artisan renowned for his contribution to traditional Yakshagana mask-making.
• D Manohar Kumar – Senior Bhagavatha with over four decades of service in the Badagu Thittu tradition.
• Murali Kadekar – Noted Chende artiste and trainer associated with several leading troupes.
• Ramesh – Yakshagana Mummela artiste known for his versatile performances in Stree Vesha and supporting roles.
Each awardee will receive Rs 50,000 in cash along with a citation, memento, certificate, garland, shawl, turban and traditional felicitation items.
Yakshasiri annual award
The Yakshasiri award has been given to:
• Dasanadka Rama Kulal – Senior Maddale artiste.
• Rajeev Shetty Hosangadi – Bhagavatha known for his clarity of rendition.
• Dasappagowda Gerukatte – Chende performer with long service in touring troupes.
• Srinivas Salyan – Mummela artiste specialising in traditional heroic roles.
• Sadashiva Kulal Venur – Yakshagana organiser and community cultural promoter.
• Bellare Manjunath Bhat – Young Bhagavatha recognised for his melodious singing.
• Keshava Shaktinagar – Experienced Mummela artiste.
• Lakshmangowda Belal – Chende artiste associated with rural troupes.
• Sanna Mallayya – Senior performer of Hanumana and comic roles.
• A G Nagaraju – Maddale artiste and trainer.
Each award carries Rs 25,000, a citation, memento and certificate.
Endowment award
The Karki Hiriyara Paramayya humourist endowment award has been presented to Devadas Rao Kodli, a well-known Yakshagana comedian with an active presence in coastal troupes. The award carries Rs 25,000 and traditional honours.
Book prize
The annual book prize for 2024 has been awarded to:
• Dasharoopakagala Dashavatara – by Ashoka Hasyagara
• Atada Mela – by Keremane Shivananda Hegde
• Dodda Samagara Nalmoga (edited volume) – published by Manipal Universal Press
Each recipient will receive Rs 25,000 and a citation.