The thunderous clash between a father and son from the Mahabharata came alive on the State School Arts Festival stage on Friday as Yakshagana performances dazzled audience with colour, rhythm, and raw energy.
Though performed in Kannada, the emotional clarity transcended language barriers. The packed hall erupted in applause when SS Higher Secondary School, Katukukke, Kasaragod, staged the story of Babhruvahana, son of Arjuna, and the Manipuri princess Chitrangada.
Set during the Pandavas’ Ashwamedha Yaga, the narrative unfolds as Arjuna arrives in Manipura escorting the sacrificial horse, only to be challenged by Babhruvahana, unaware of their blood bond. Even after their relationship is revealed, Arjuna declines his son’s hospitality and invites him to battle. The ensuing duel is fierce and unrelenting, ending with both warriors collapsing and Arjuna’s death — a climactic moment that held the audience spellbound.
The Katukukke team’s electrifying movements, circular leaps, and ground-thumping spins enchanted spectators. Vibrant costumes and glittering headgear added visual splendour, while the performers’ stamina and precision drew repeated ovations.
Yakshagana — Karnataka’s vibrant folk theatre form that blends dance, music, and drama, and is often compared to Kathakali — once attracted only niche audiences at Kalolsavam venues. This year’s enthusiastic response signalled a clear shift, suggesting the art form is finding a growing following among Malayali audiences.
Mananthavady MGM Higher Secondary School also impressed, continuing a legacy of excellence that has remained unchallenged in Wayanad for the past 19 years. Vaiga Jinu, a Class X student who played Rama, spoke of the physical demands behind the spectacle.
“Yakshagana requires very high stamina,” he said. “Since the dialogues are in Kannada, our guru teaches us the lines, we write them in Malayalam and memorise them.”
Once regarded as a male bastion, Yakshagana has increasingly seen girls join the cast. BSS Gurukulam Higher Secondary School, Alathur — a regular participant for the past 15 years — also made its mark at the festival.
With its bright attire, swift footwork, and relentless momentum, Yakshagana emerged as a pulsating blend of tradition and youthful fire — one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.
Notably, the recent controversy surrounding the Malayalam Language Bill — sparked by the Karnataka Chief Minister’s letter to his Kerala counterpart over concerns raised by the Kannada-speaking community in Kerala — had no impact on the art form’s reception at the festival.
