Yakshagana lives still in the hearts of people

         The age old folk art of the Yaksha (nature spirits) lives still in the hearts of people even after centuries because of its unique characteristics. The musical dramas are composed from poems, epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and some Hindu texts in order to bring out the meaning effectively so that it can be placed in the context of people’s life.

        The dance drama reminds those passionate lovers of Yakshagana by the beating of drums. When Himmela, the musicians and ‘Mummela’ the performers amalgamate together there is a new creation of art. Among the ‘Himmelas’ there are also two type of percussionists (madhdahale and chende) who add new flavour to a composition.  The classical dance holds its unique position because they are not merely contributing for the entertainment of people but also they make outstanding contribution to the world of art. Their composition involves a systematic and scientific approach. Ragas are presented in rhythmic forms which are identified as mattu and tala. In the western world they are addressed as musical meter. The contemporary classical music also has some root in this ancient art.

      Yakshagana lives even today very prominently in heart of people for its art and originality. It not only connects ancient art with contemporary but also finds relevance in the lives of ordinary people in the country side. The specialty of Yakshagan among many other folk arts is that it keeps mesmerizing even the city folks today. It lives and popularized especially in coastal Karnataka.