For over nine decades, Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali has grown beyond a performing troupe into a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to performance, education, research, heritage preservation, and community engagement. From its Yakshāngana Campus in Gunavante, Karnataka, the Mandali carries forward a wide range of initiatives that nurture artists, inspire audiences, and safeguard the living tradition of Yakshagana.

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Infrastructure

Yakshāngana Campus

Nestled amidst the scenic landscape of coastal Karnataka, the Yakshāngana Campus serves as the Mandali's headquarters and cultural activity centre. The campus houses the Gurukula, student hostel, repertory unit, costume and properties sections, auditoriums, rehearsal spaces, and project facilities, creating a vibrant environment where learning, performance, research, and community engagement come together.

Keremane Shivarama Hegde Rangamandira

Completed in 2004 and dedicated to the founder, Late Shri Keremane Shivarama Hegde, the Rangamandira serves as one of the Mandali's principal indoor performance spaces. Built with the generous support of patrons and well-wishers, it continues to host performances, festivals, rehearsals, workshops, and cultural gatherings throughout the year.

The auditorium is presently undergoing phased renovation and modernisation as part of the Mandali's long-term vision to create a world-class cultural and research centre for Yakshagana.

Keremane Shambhu Hegde Amphitheatre

Conceived by Dr. Keremane Shivananda Hegde and initiated in 2009, the open-air amphitheatre accommodates more than 2,000 spectators and has become one of the Mandali's most significant cultural spaces.

Constructed with generous support from public representatives and patrons, the amphitheatre regularly hosts large-scale Yakshagana performances, festivals, workshops, and community cultural events.

Shrimaya Yakshagana Kalakendra (Gurukula)

Established in 1986 by Late Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde, Shrimaya Yakshagana Kalakendra is the Mandali's residential Gurukula dedicated to the systematic training of Yakshagana.

Following the traditional Guru–Shishya system, the Kalakendra has trained more than 600 students over four decades while providing free education, accommodation, meals, and scholarships to deserving students.

Yakshagana Museum & Sculpture Park

In collaboration with the Shilpa Kala Academy, Bengaluru, the Mandali has created 14 life-size sculptures representing major Yakshagana characters from both the Badagu and Tenku traditions.

These sculptures form part of the Mandali's long-term vision to establish a comprehensive Yakshagana Museum and Cultural Resource Centre, showcasing costumes, ornaments, manuscripts, archival material, photographs, traditional props, and the history of the art form.

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Educational & Cultural Initiatives

Āṭave Pāṭa

An educational outreach programme that introduces Yakshagana to schools, colleges, and universities through performances, lecture-demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences, inspiring young people to appreciate India's cultural heritage.

Yaksha Dīkṣā Abhiyāna

A curriculum-integrated training programme that brings regular Yakshagana education to government high schools. Through systematic training, students develop confidence, rhythm, language skills, creativity, discipline, and cultural awareness while learning the fundamentals of Yakshagana.

BhāSam

Bhāgavatike Samshodhana Shibira is the Mandali's research and preservation initiative dedicated to safeguarding the traditional oral singing heritage of Yakshagana through documentation, Gurukula-based training, and mentorship by senior Bhagavatas.

Māsada Āṭa

A monthly series of free Yakshagana performances presenting rare and traditional episodes at the Yakshāngana Campus. The programme strengthens community engagement while preserving lesser-performed stories and encouraging artistic exploration.

Yakshagana Summer Camp

An annual residential summer programme introducing school students to Yakshagana through dance, acting, music, dialogue, discipline, teamwork, and cultural values. The camp provides an inspiring environment where children develop artistic skills while building confidence and a deeper connection to their heritage.

Tālamaddale

The Mandali regularly presents Tālamaddale, the traditional debate-style form of Yakshagana performed without costumes or elaborate stage settings. These intellectually engaging performances preserve an important literary and philosophical dimension of the Yakshagana tradition.

Publications & Library

The Mandali actively promotes research and documentation through books, publications, educational resources, and archival collections. Its growing library supports students, scholars, researchers, and artists engaged in the study of Yakshagana and allied performing arts.

Keremane Shambhu Hegde Rashtriya Natyotsava

One of the Mandali's flagship initiatives, the Keremane Shambhu Hegde Rashtriya Natyotsava is an annual national performing arts festival that brings together some of India's finest classical, folk, tribal, and theatre traditions.

Held at the Yakshāngana Campus in Gunavante, the festival creates a unique platform for artistic exchange while providing rural communities with free access to performances by nationally acclaimed artists.

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Looking Ahead

The Mandali continues to expand its educational, cultural, and research initiatives while developing the Yakshāngana Campus into a comprehensive centre for Yakshagana. Future plans include a museum, research library, documentation centre, expanded Gurukula facilities, modernised performance spaces, and collaborative programmes that will strengthen the preservation and global appreciation of this remarkable living tradition.

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