Keremane Shambhu Hegde was more than an artiste who gave a new dimension to the traditional art form by working with the elements of Indian choreography. In his memory the Mela has been celebrating a mega cultural event - “KEREMANE SHAMBHU HEGDE RASHTRIYA NATYOTSAVA” (Keremane Shambhu Hegde memorial National Dance Festival) so as to preserve, popularize, and create awareness of art and culture of this country.

This is the annual 5 days long National Dance Festival is being organized for the last ten years (since 2009). This is a festival of performing arts (classical, folk & tribal arts and music) which also includes interactive sessions with artists, lecture demos, scholarly meetings & special programs for school children, etc. On this occasion art forms from all over India, such as Yakshagana, Bharatnatyam, Chhau, Gotipua of Orissa, Carnatic, Hindustani Classical Music, Langa Mangniyar of Rajasthan, Kathak...etc. come together here, in a village. And there will be a saga of cultural programs and discussion sessions. Greatest of the performing artists come from all over India and abroad, perform, stay and interact with the public in a picturesque rural ambiance of Gunavante, a coastal village of Karnataka, in the Mandali's performing premises. It is a non-ticketed event, totally free of cost to the public.

The objective is to expose different art forms to this area which will give an idea of the panorama of Indian cultural heritage. It is an effort to connect and blend the best of the performing artists and the rural community which have become two extreme ends of the country in today's cultural context.

Natyotsava happens every year in winter (January-February) at “Yakshaangana” in Gunavante, a beautiful village in Honnavara Taluk, Karnataka.

 

Now, we are preparing for the 16th-year and the festival will be held in January 2026. 

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If you wish to perform or get involved in the festival email us at kshnatyfest@gmail.com

or WhatsApp 9480450458

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