Milestones
1934
Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali was established at Keremane, Gunavante, by the visionary Yakshagana maestro Late Shri Keremane Shivarama Hegde, laying the foundation for one of India's most respected traditional Yakshagana institutions.
1949
The Mandali became the first Yakshagana troupe to present the art form in cinema, marking a historic milestone in the documentation of Yakshagana.
1950
The complete Yakshagana episode Shri Krishna Sandhana was broadcast on Akashvani Dharwad, making it one of the earliest full Yakshagana radio presentations.
1968
The Mandali became the first Yakshagana troupe to present a complete episode on national television, when Jarasandha Vadhe was telecast on Doordarshan, New Delhi.
1970
Founder Late Shri Keremane Shivarama Hegde became the first Yakshagana artist to receive the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, a landmark recognition for the art form.
1973
Under the leadership of Late Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde, the Mandali entered a new era of artistic innovation, institutional growth, and national prominence.
1984
The Mandali celebrated its Golden Jubilee and undertook one of the earliest international Yakshagana tours with performances in Bahrain.
1984
Founder Late Shri Keremane Shivarama Hegde was honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.
1986
Shrimaya Yakshagana Kalakendra, the Mandali's residential Gurukula, was established to provide systematic Yakshagana education and training.
1993
Late Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde received the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising his exceptional contribution to Yakshagana.
1994–2000
The Mandali expanded its international presence through performances in China, Nepal, Bangladesh, England, France, Spain, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and across India, establishing itself as a global ambassador of Yakshagana.
1998
The pioneering doctoral thesis "Contribution of Idagunji Troupe to Yakshagana Art", awarded by Karnatak University, was published as a book, marking an important academic milestone.
2004
The Keremane Shivarama Hegde Rangamandira was inaugurated, creating a dedicated performance and cultural space for the Mandali.
2009
The Mandali launched Āṭave Pāṭa, an innovative educational initiative introducing Yakshagana to school children through performances and interactive learning.
2010
The BhāSam (Bhāgavatike Samshodhana Shibira) project was initiated to document, preserve, and revive the traditional oral singing heritage of Yakshagana.
2012
The Māsada Āṭa initiative was launched, presenting free monthly performances of rare Yakshagana episodes to strengthen community engagement and preserve traditional repertoire.
2013
Shri Keremane Shivananda Hegde received the BCKA – Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair Award for his contribution to the performing arts.
2015–2020
Dr. Keremane Shivananda Hegde served as Chairman of the Folk & Tribal Committee, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, contributing to the promotion of India's traditional performing arts at the national level.
2020
The Mandali continued its cultural outreach while supporting artists and communities through relief initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
The Mandali received First Prize at the Rashtriya Ramayana Mahotsav, organised by the Government of Chhattisgarh.
2024
The Mandali became the first and only Yakshagana organisation to receive UNESCO–ICN Accreditation under UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, receiving international recognition for its work in preserving and promoting Yakshagana.
2025
Dr. Keremane Shivananda Hegde received the Outlook Responsible Tourism – Culture & Heritage Award, recognising his leadership in preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage.
2026
Dr. Keremane Shivananda Hegde was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Srividya International University for Vedic Science, Florida, USA, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion, and global dissemination of Yakshagana.
Today
Celebrating over nine decades of continuous artistic excellence, Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali continues to preserve, promote, and evolve the living tradition of Yakshagana through performances, education, research, cultural outreach, and international collaborations.