Clearing backlog a challenge as demand for Yakshagana ‘Harake Seva’ grows

Mangaluru: With demand for Yakshagana ‘Harake Sevas' on the rise for the past several years, Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Dashavatara Yakshagana Mandali is set to launch its seventh troupe or ‘mela' from Nov 16 this year.Shriharinarayanadasa Asranna, priest at the Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, told TOI: "So far, we have six melas. However, there is growing enthusiasm among devotees to offer ‘Harake Sevas' through Yakshagana. Currently, there is a backlog of nearly 7,000 bookings."For the 2024-2025 season, the Mandali received 844 new bookings. On an average, the troupe manages to perform around 1,080 shows annually, of which nearly 450 are permanent bookings.Due to overwhelming demand, the temple introduced a Tatkal Seva option in 2014, allowing urgent bookings for an additional payment of Rs 15,000."Now, almost everyone opts for Tatkal," noted Asranna.In view of persistent demand, temple authorities conducted the traditional ‘Hoo Prashne' ritual on Sunday, seeking divine consent. Following a favourable outcome, the decision to launch the seventh mela was finalised.Currently, the six melas collectively employ around 200 members. While the base cost of organising a Yakshagana performance stands at approximately Rs 70,000, the total expenditure can exceed Rs 2 lakh."The uniqueness of our mela is that even the economically underprivileged come forward to offer Yakshagana Sevas out of sheer devotion," added Asranna.Mandarthi Yakshagana booked until 2045-46The Mandarthi Sri Durgaparameshwari Dashavatara Yakshagana Mela, of Mandarthi Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Udupi, operates five Yakshagana troupes.According to Raviraj Shetty, a worker at the mela, bookings for the troupe are already full until the 2045-46 season.The final performance of the current season, known as the ‘Devara Seva', was held at the temple on Monday. Since Nov 17 last year, the five melas have performed approximately 945 shows. On an average, the temple receives nearly 1,000 fresh bookings every year, Shetty said.To accommodate growing demand, provide cost-effective options, and generate employment for Yakshagana artistes, the temple initiated monsoon Yakshagana performances. These shows are conducted on the temple premises between June and Oct, resulting in an additional 270 performances annually.Shetty said the significant backlog in bookings is partly due to the limited number of troupes available during earlier years.As of now, all bookings up to Aug 31, 2011, have been completed. Every year, approximately 120 of the total bookings are reserved as permanent shows, he added.