Yakshagana Maestro Vidyadhara Rao Jalavalli to Receive Prestigious Balkur Yaksha Kusuma Award

Mangaluru: Renowned Yakshagana artiste Vidyadhara Rao Jalavalli will be honored with the esteemed Balkur Yaksha Kusuma Award at a grand ceremony on March 9 (Sunday) at the Kudroli Sri Bhagavathi Temple auditorium, Kodialbail. The event, organized by the Balkur Yaksha Kusuma Charitable Trust in association with Ranga Sthala Mangaluru, recognizes Jalavalli’s remarkable contributions to the traditional art form of Yakshagana. A stalwart in the field, he has enthralled audiences for decades with his captivating performances, bringing mythological tales to life with his distinctive style and expressions.

As part of the celebrations, an enthralling Yakshagana extravaganza will take center stage, featuring two legendary performances, "Gadayudha" and "Raja Rudrakopa", by artistes from Sri Kshetra Hattiangady Mela. The shows, scheduled from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, promise to transport the audience into the rich tapestry of Indian epics, blending music, dance, and drama in an electrifying spectacle. Enthusiasts of Yakshagana and cultural heritage are eagerly looking forward to this event, which not only honors a living legend but also keeps the spirit of Karnataka’s traditional folk theatre alive.