Yakshagana is one of the ancient form of folk art that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up and stage techniques with a unique style and form. It originated in Tulunadu and literally means the song (gana) of the Yaksha (nature spirits). Yakshagana is the scholastic name used for the last 200 years for art forms formerly knows as Kelike, Ata, Bayalata and Dasavatara. Yakshagana was first introduced in Udupi by Madhvacharya’s disciple Naraharitirtha.

With an attempt to keep this ancient folk art live, many likeminded individuals have promoted this in many ways around the world and this has resulted in various forms of Yakshagana at present. A group of artistes ‘Yakshamitraru’ have been promoting and presenting various successful events in Dubai and elsewhere which is well known for their dedication. In continuation to their effort Dinesh Shetty Kottinja with the support of Yakshaguru stalwart Shekar D. Shettigar Kinnigoli and teacher Sharath Poojary have come forward to train Children as well as Adults here in Dubai and have started a class one year ago with many students already enrolled. Those who wish to join should at least complete 8 years of age as minimum.

On 29th of June, 2018 a scheduled official Class room is being opened up in Talent Zone Dance School Al Nahda, Dubai and the inauguration was done on the same day morning at 10 am by prominent supporters of Art, Sudhakar Rao Pejavar & Shodhan Prasad Attavar. Jayanand Pakkala, Dinesh Shetty & Sharath Poojary along with Shekar Shettigar were seated on the dais. It started with prayer by a student and followed by traditional lighting of the lamp. Dinesh Shetty welcomed the guests and the audience. Shekar Shettigar conducted the programme and briefed on the training classes as well as the importance of Yakshagana, comparing to other form of arts. The guests were welcomed with flower bouquet.

Later Guests Sudhakar Rao Pejavar & Shodhan Prasad spoke highlighting the importance of Yakshagana in the present world, inspiring more students to enroll and thanking Dinesh Shetty & Shekar Shettigar for their selfless contribution in forming these training classes. They also confirmed their support whenever needed. The teachers have taught real discipline to their students which was witnessed during the inauguration prayer rendering. The success of these training got reflected and witnessed during the presentation these students gave recently in Mangalore Patla Foundation programme. This may be for the first time that young students from abroad beautifully presented Yakshagana in Mangalore which was very well appreciated.

Later Jayalaxmi Jayanand Pakkala and Girish Narayan another enthusiastic artiste in Dubai spoke on the event and conveyed their wishes for the Yakshagana Class initiative. Dinesh Shetty also spoke on the subject and Shekar Shettigar concluded with vote of thanks. Light refreshments were served and the regular classes started thereafter. Please call the below mentioned contact to get enrolled.

Details of the Yakshagana Class:-

Premises – Talent Zone Music & Dance Centre
Ahli House ‘B’ (Ravi Restaurant building) Al Nahda 2,
Al Quasis - Dubai.
Timing: 10 AM to 1 PM
FRIDAYS only
Contact: Mr. Shekar Shettigar – 050 8968565