Kateel Mela’s annual tour begins today

A century-old Mela, Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Dashavatara Yakshagana Mandali’s annual tour begins today. On the first and last days of the festival, Yakshagana shows will be held overnight and continue till morning.

There are six ‘Mela,’ or teams that have already been booked for over 20-25 years. The Devi Mahatme performance is the most popular and well-attended.

It is believed that Goddess Durgaparameshwari comes to the place where Kateel Mela’s Yakshagana is performed.

Also, the Kateel Yakshagana Mela has restricted the performance time abiding by the rules set forth by the Karnataka government, which banned the use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am.

However, the DC has granted written permission for Yakshagana performances up until 12.30 pm. As a result, Chowki Puja will be performed at 5.45 pm, the prelude performance will remain until 6.45 pm, and the prasanga  will last until 12.30 pm except on the first and last days of the festival this year.