Mangaluru: A group of like-minded individuals, including artistes, have joined hands to form the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Swami Kripaposhita Yakshagana Mandali, Subrahmanya, starting this season. The groundwork for the mela (troupe) is complete, and the artistes are being finalised.Coordinator and artiste VP Aithappa Vorkady told TOI that the plan to start a new Yakshagana troupe was in the works since last year. “I approached the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple last year with a request to start a troupe. The temple assured support, but not immediately; hence, we have only added the deity’s name. We are moving ahead and forming a mela in the temple’s name,” he said.Aithappa noted that almost all prominent temples have their own Yakshagana melas, and the demand for performances is generally high. “About 30 years ago, I was part of the Adi Subrahmanya Yakshagana Mandali for nearly eight years. This troupe no longer exists. Over the years, I was associated with several other melas, including Mangaladevi and Puttur. I also run another mela. I bring in nearly three decades of experience as both an artiste and a manager. That is why I decided to form a new troupe. This is a revered deity, and as a devotee, it was on my mind for a long time. The temple authorities have assured us of support after a year,” he added.The selection of artistes is almost complete, and a notice regarding the troupe will be published in newspapers soon. The ‘Devara Seve Aata’ will be held in the first week of Dec, after which the troupe will begin performances. The troupe will comprise around 40 members, including artistes and supporting staff, Vorkady said, expressing confidence in strong audience demand.Shivaram Rai Subrahmanya, founder of the troupe, also hoped to receive support from the temple soon.
