Yakshagana - the folk art form of tulunad

Yakshagana is a drama with reference to hindu puranas performed wastly in parts tulunad which includes dakshina kannada, Udupi, kindapura, kasargod, its AATA  in local language especially tulu.

There mainly 2 types in this art form known as thenkuthittu and badaguthittu the dressing style and make up in both type are similar yet different from each other

The most popular yakshagana in tulunad is DEVI MAHATME it narrates the story of maa durga  with unique dialogues and song sung by bhagavathas(person who sing it) along with bhagavathas thre stand chende and chakra thala which enhances the beauty of the song

The art form has its own unique style its considered as old as 200 years but nowadays many chnges has been made from original art form in accordance to time its originally played at night it keeps the audience engaged from night till morning and audience also show their love to their by patiently viewing the play 

The most famous demon in yakshagana of devi mahatme is mahishasura (the name mysore was named aftee this demon) 

Yakshagana play includes Raga, Tala, prasanga, costumes with ornaments, and a well decorated stage called as rangasthala

People also play yakshagana as HARAKE(WISH they asked for if fulfilled) known as HARAKE AATA

There are troups of yakshagana in particular they go house to house and play small portion of yakshagana these are called as CHIKKAMELA

Earlier days yakshagana was the best way entertainment thre were no theatres, cinemas etc people here used to enjoy the art form whole night 

Yakshagana plays are well written and beautiful executed the art form is visual treat with tht glowing costume and even the actor performing the art should follow some rules and regulations so there won't be any issue while performing the play and even nowadays yakshagana is also used to spread awareness of issues but the scholars believe that these steps spoil the trueness of art so nowadays people of tulunad have joined together to preserve the art form 

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