Bengaluru. Ganesha Festival celebrations held in Vinayaka layout, Ullala, was not like one of the several celebrations. What made the evening even special was the Yakshagana performance by children of Nele Nivedita.
Yakshagana is a folk theatre form originated in Karnataka. It is a popular form of story telling, famous for its colorful costumes, energetic narration, and lively steps. The theme chosen was story of Punyakoti, a beautiful folk story that celebrates victory of Truth. 18 girls participated and the dance was very impressive. All the characters were brought to life on stage – Punyakoti the Cow, its innocent calf, Arbhuta the Tiger etc.
Entry of the Tiger, Conversations between the Cow and Tiger, Cow and its calf, were done fabulously.
The story goes that the cow Punyakoti on its way back home encounters a hungry tiger who has not had his meal. Punyakoti convinces the tiger that she had to go home feed her calf and would return back to be the prey of tiger. Tiger allows the cow to go home and takes a promise to be back. When back at home the cow narrates the story and takes leave of its calf after feeding milk to it. Though the calf persuades Punyakoti to stay back, she is determined that she would tread the path of Truth. Back in the jungle when tiger sees Punyakoti to offer itself, the tiger is moved by the honesty the cow had displayed.
It was under the guidance of Dr. Begar Shivakumar in a short span of time, the girls have performed this art form.
It was a visual treat to the eyes, and very satisfying that such platforms will boost these girls’ confidence said an art enthusiast who watched the performance.
