Delhi welcomes Durga in Yakshagana style

New Delhi, Sep.30 (ANI): Delhi ushered in Navratras in Yakshagana style with Goddess Durga killing demon Mahishasura. The play was performed at the Swami Malai temple in Ramakrishnapuram by Thenku Thittu Yakshagana troupe from coastal Karnataka. The play, performed in Hindi by the artistes, was watched by hundreds of devotees who had come to the Temple to usher in the Navaratra festival on Monday evening.

The colourful presentation in play form showcased how demon King Mahishasura turns furious after learning about the death of his father. In a fit of anger, he goes on a rampage and starts killings Yakshas in heaven. The terrorized Devtas (Gods) appeal to the trinity-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha. Indra creates Durga, a goddess of power, to confront Mahishasura. Following a battle that lasts seven days, Durga eventually kills Mahishsura, thus saving the lives of Devtas.

The Yakshagana troupe came to Delhi after giving fine performances in Punjab.

Organised by the Oriental Bank of Commerce Yakshotsava 2008, the colourful and artistic folk presentation was emphatic.

In Yakshagana, the music, dance, spoken word, movement, costume and stage craft are woven into a unique type of dramatic production. The various episodes chosen are taken from classical and mythological sources Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatha.

The script is verse-based and sung with orchestra of traditional drums and gongs. The characters dance to the music and then present the dialogue extempore. The art has a history of seven centuries.

The Yakshagana presentation on Monday was made by Yakshmanjusha, a unique troupe which has performed in different States of India..

The idea of Rashtriya Yakshotsava was conceived by Sri S.K.Bhat, Director, Academy of Thenkuthittu Yakshagana and Vidya Kolyur, the Director and performer of Yaksha Manjusha to promote and popularize the 700-year-old art form of coastal Karnataka.

Navratras, the nine-day festival is devoted to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with thousands of Hindu devotees visiting popular temples on this occasion. ANI)