Chikkamela welcomed by all faiths – Yakshagana in Muslim and Christian homes

Team Udayavani, Sep 30, 2024, 9:02 AM IST

Malpe: In the coastal region of Malpe and its surrounding areas, the evenings over the past week have been filled with the sounds of traditional Yakshagana performances. The Gajanana Yakshagana Kala Sangha from Thottam Badanidiyur has been conducting the annual “Chikkamela” for the last 67 years. This year, the performances have taken on a special significance as the troupe is performing not just in Hindu homes but also in the homes of Muslim and Christian families.

Starting from the full moon in October and running until the last day of Navaratri, this month-long Chikkamela event has become a cherished Navaratri tradition. As with other Chikkamelas, the Gajanana troupe visits homes and performs short Yakshagana skits, but what makes this particular troupe unique is its inclusive approach. They perform not just for Hindu families but also for Muslim and Christian households, presenting clear and meaningful narratives without any haste.

Live Broadcast for Family Abroad

This year, the troupe received overwhelming support from both Muslim and Christian communities. Many families even arranged for live video calls so that their relatives living abroad could watch the performances. On some occasions, people watching from abroad have even requested specific episodes to be performed.

Performances in Mumbai

A few years ago, the Gajanana troupe also performed in Mumbai for 15 days. They were invited to perform in prominent homes in the city, and the sound of their traditional Yakshagana instruments resonated throughout the community. The troupe’s leader, Shashidhar M. Amin, proudly states that Gajanana Kala Sangha is the only Yakshagana troupe to have performed Chikkamela in Mumbai.

Invited Performances Only

Unlike other Chikkamelas, where troupes announce their arrival, the Gajanan troupe performs only upon invitation. Once invited, the troupe, including about 30 members, visits the home with dignity and grace, ensuring that the performance is of the highest quality.

Performances Lasting Up to 30 Minutes

Typically, the troupe presents a 20 to 30-minute segment from a traditional epic. However, based on requests, they sometimes extend the performance with additional episodes. Each evening, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, the troupe visits around 12 homes.

“Our family has always loved Yakshagana performances. The Gajanana Yakshagana troupe has been performing for us since my grandfather’s time. We all gather together to enjoy the Chikkamela show. The troupe visits all the homes in our community, regardless of religion.” – Sarfaraz, Vadabhandeshwara

“For the past 67 years, we have been performing during Navaratri in prominent homes in Malpe and nearby areas. All of us are amateur performers, and no one relies on this service for a living. Any money received is donated to the association.” – Shashidhar M. Amin, President, Gajanana Yakshagana Kala Sangha

~ Translated version of Kannada article by Nataraj Malpe