Bengaluru: Can the art form Yakshagana, which has deep roots in Hindusim and depicts Hindu religious icons and mythical characters, also be used to narrate a story based on Jesus Christ?
The vexed question has arisen after saffron outfits, which have earned notoriety for moral policing along the state's coast, reportedly voiced their reservation over a Yakshagana performance based on Jesus Christ, scheduled to be held on May 27 in Mangaluru.
Protesting the show's plot, Yesukrista Mahathme, written by Muliya Keshavayya about five decades ago when it was also performed, a section of people believe Yakshagana should keep away from narrating stories about other religions.
“Does any church preach about Ramayana or a mosque about Mahabharatha? If harmony is the aim of this event, then it cannot be one sided,” said one upset critic of the performance. The public controversy has spilled over into social media, which is buzzing with critical comments.
Opposing the critics, others argue that Yakshagana was meant to publicise the Vaidika dharma, but is now being used by communal elements. The controversy, however, seems to have left scholars and Yakshagana artistes cold. "Be it Yakshagana or any other art form, the important message it delivers is the victory of good over bad. Art forms are supposed to boost moral principles and be it Ramayana or the story of Jesus, the message is about the victory of good. Why should there be any opposition to this or a controversy at all? I fully support organising Talamaddale on Jesus Christ," said Kateel Temple hereditary archak and Sri Durga Makkala Mela president Sriharinarayanadasa Asranna, who is doing research on Yakshagana. Pointing out that not only Hindu but Muslim artistes too perform the Yakshagana, he says there are Scheduled Caste artistes as well. "Art is for everybody," he summed up.
