5 days ago
‘Chikka Melas' of Yakshagana to launch their 2025 rainy season tour on June 5
The Chikka Melas of the Tenkuthittu school of Yakshagana will commence their 2025 rainy season tour on June 5, according to Sarapady Ashok Shetty, president of the Tenkutittu Chikka Melagala Okkuta.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Mr. Shetty said that 50 to 60 melas embark on the tour, which will conclude by Deepavali. They perform for about 20 minutes at select houses between 5.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m., and each mela comprises a five-member team, including two mummela artists and two himmela artists.
This season's tour will be launched by performing 'Gejje Muhurtha' and presenting a show at the Talakala Kashi Sri Vishwanatha temple on Thursday, he said.
The artists formed the Okkuta (federation) two years ago to have unity and discipline in performances and conduct.
The artists take out the tour through Chikka Melas to earn their livelihood during the rainy season, as daily Yakshagana 'bayalata' performances of the Yakshagana melas, which begin in November and December every year, end in May.
