Kateel Mela: Yakshagana Bayalata Seva Samiti oppose short duration shows

Mangaluru: A century-old Yakshagana troupe Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali had recently decided to switch to short-duration shows from November.

However, Yakshagana Bayalata Seva Samiti on Sunday opposed the move and asked them not to break away from its tradition.

They also requested the managing committee of the Kateel temple to inform them about the time limit decision within 7 days. A 15-member coordination committee was also formed.

The managing committee took the decision in August in view of the government circular issued in May 2022. As per the circular, the government has banned the use of loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except on closed premises.

Harinarayanadasa Asranna, the hereditary priest of Kateel’s Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple said that the Yakshagana performance will only be held from 5 pm to 10.30 pm.

Yakshagana, a dusk-to-dawn musical theatre is a popular art form in the coastal districts. The performances begin around 9 p.m. and go on till 6 the next morning.