Yakshagana

India Post recently issued a commemorative stamp celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka through the traditional art form of Yakshagana. S. Rajendra Kumar, the Chief Postmaster General of the Karnataka Circle, unveiled the stamp with a face value of Rs 5 in Mangaluru. This initiative aims to promote and preserve the unique cultural traditions of Karnataka on a global platform.

Yakshagana, an indigenous art form of Karnataka, holds a significant place in the state’s cultural landscape. Over the past six centuries, it has evolved from its folk origins into a sophisticated theatrical performance, integrating various artistic elements outlined in Bharata’s Natya Shastra. Combining dance and drama, Yakshagana exemplifies the synthesis of four forms of Abhinaya: Aharya, Angika, Vachika, and Sattvika.

The art form’s music, dance, costumes, and dialogues are meticulously stylized, reflecting both classical discipline and folk freedom. Yakshagana typically involves whole-night performances that narrate stories from ancient epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas.

By commemorating Yakshagana through a postage stamp, India Post acknowledges its cultural significance and its role as a cultural ambassador, spreading the essence of Karnataka’s heritage to a broader audience. This initiative not only honors the tradition but also contributes to its preservation and global recognition.

There are many variants of Yakshagana in different parts of Karnataka and in other states as well Yakshagana, which is the more popular name in the modern times is also known as Ata (Play), Dashavatara Ata (depicting the ten Avataras of Lord Vishnu), Bayalata (Play in the open field) etc. The variant seen in the region from Dakshina Kannada to Kasaragod is called Thenku thittu (southern style) and the variant seen from Udupi up to Uttara Kannada it is called Badaga Thittu (northern style).