Mangaluru: The ‘Bhramari Yakshavaibhava-2026’, an annual event organised by the Bhramari Yakshamithraru Mangaluru Trust, is scheduled to take place on August 1 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall.The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious ‘Bhramari Yakshamani’ Award to veteran Yakshagana artiste KH Dasappa Rai. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15,000, a citation, and a silver medal.Dasappa Rai, a stalwart in the field, began his journey in Yakshagana at the age of 15. With over six decades of dedicated service, he has performed with renowned troupes such as the Karnataka Mela, Kadri Mela, Kumbale Kanipura Mela, and Mangaladevi Mela, showcasing his talent both nationally and internationally. He is widely acclaimed for his iconic portrayals of ‘Koti’ in the ‘Koti Chennaya’ Yakshagana and ‘Mainda Gurikare’ in ‘Kadamallige’. Beyond his prowess as an artiste, he is also recognized as an accomplished troupe leader (Yajamana).During the event, the ‘Bhramari Yakshaseva Puraskara’ will be presented to Monappa Gowda, a dedicated background artiste (Nepathya) with three decades of experience and Dattatreya Yakshagana and Bhajan Mandali (Mudipu Kurnaad), an institution that has been organising Yakshagana Talamaddale and providing training for over 90 years. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of Rs 6,000 and a citation.Prof GK Bhat Seraje, senior Yakshagana Arthadhari, Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, TG Rajaram, director SCDCC Bank, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president, Kalkura Foundation, Rajshekhar Kotian, industrialist, and Sridhar Shetty Pulincha, president, Pulincha Seva Prathisthana, will be the guests.The formal stage programme will be followed by a Yakshagana performance featuring renowned artistes of the Tenkutittu style. The performances include ‘Ambhashapatha’, ‘Lakshmi Swayamvara’, and ‘Tamradhwaja Kalaga’.
