Celebrating Art, Legacy and Young Talent: Yakshagana Week in Memory of Panambur Venkatraya Aital Begins June 15
Udupi, June 13, 2025: In a heartfelt tribute to a towering figure in the world of Yakshagana, the Panambur Venkatraya Aitala Cultural Foundation is set to celebrate the 8th anniversary of its free Tenkuthittu Yakshagana classes with a vibrant week-long festival of performances, honors, and community celebration. The event will be held at Sri Krishna Math’s Rajangana in Udupi, starting June 15.
Late Panambur Venkatraya Aital, remembered as a multifaceted genius — Bhagavatha, Vesha performer, Chende, Maddale, and Artha Dhari — had not only enriched the Yakshagana stage but also left his mark as a priest, astrologer, and teacher. His legacy lives on through the Foundation named after him, which has been nurturing young talent in the Yakshagana tradition since 2017, under the blessings of Sri Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Sripada of Sode Math.
This year’s celebration, titled “Yakshagana Week & Ashtavadhana”, will open on Sunday, June 15 at 5:30 PM, in the divine presence of Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada and Sri Sri Susrindra Theertha Sripada (Paryaya Sri Puttige Math), and Sri Sri Sachchidananda Bharathi Sripada of Edaneer Math.
An Ensemble of Eminent Guests and Honors
The inaugural event will be graced by prominent personalities like Sri Lakshminarayana Asranna of Kateel, veteran scholar M Prabhakar Joshi, Yakshagana patron Dr Ramakrishna Pejattaya, and Karnataka Bank DGM Sri Vasanth Herale, among others.
The festival will also honor stalwarts of the Yakshagana world — including Sri K Govinda Bhat, Prof. M L Samaga, Sri Kuriya Ganapathi Shastri, Polya Lakshminarayana Shetty, and Padyana Shankaranarayana Bhat — for their lifelong contribution to the art form.
Evenings of Art and Devotion
Each evening will feature a Yakshagana performance by the Foundation’s students under Yaksha Guru Rakesh Rai Adka. On the inaugural night, audiences can witness the grandeur of Tamra Dhwaja Kalaga performed by senior artists.
Special cultural evenings include:
- June 16: Bharatanatyam by Kumari Siddhi Jayadeva Tantri (USA), followed by Karna Parva
- June 17: Gada Parva
- June 18: Manmathopakhyana
- June 19: Bhargava Vijaya
- June 20: Sudarshana Garva Bhanga
Each performance will be attended by distinguished guests from the literary and cultural spheres.
Valedictory and Inauguration of New Classes
The valedictory program on June 21 promises to be just as enriching, with scholars like Vidhwan K Panja Bhaskara Bhatta, Dr Harikrishna Punarur, and Sri Pradeep Kumar Kalkura joining the festivities. The evening will conclude with Girija Kalyana Yakshagana, performed by the Foundation’s students.
As part of its growing efforts, the Foundation is now launching Chende and Maddale classes every Saturday evening. Acclaimed Himmela artist Sri Muralidhar Bhat of Kateel will mentor the new batch.
More than 100 students are currently being trained under Rakesh Rai Adka, and the Foundation invites art lovers, parents, and enthusiasts to attend, support, and be a part of this cultural celebration.
For participation or inquiries, contact: 9980331294, 9448000531, 9845150802
