Kateelu to launch seventh Yakshagana troupe with grand procession on November 16

Kateelu to launch seventh Yakshagana troupe with grand procession on November 16

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 13, 2025: Kateelu’s famed Dashavatara Yakshagana troupe will launch its annual tour with the initiation of the seventh troupe (Mela) on Sunday, November 16.

As part of the grand inauguration, gold and silver crowns, ornaments, and other sacred paraphernalia will be brought from Bajpe to Kateelu in a majestic procession and dedicated to the deity. Devotees have contributed items worth around ₹1 crore, including crowns, cradles, gold and silver weapons, and adornments for the deity.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the procession at Bajpe. State Human Rights Commission Chairman Shyam Bhat, Vajradehi Math seer Sri Rajshekarananda Swamiji, former ministers Abhayachandra Jain and Krishna Palemar, MLAs Umanath Kotian and Mithun Rai, and several other dignitaries will participate in the ceremony.

The grand procession will feature decorated tableaux, Vedic chanting, about 3,000 bhajan participants, more than four chende (drum) troupes, and traditional instruments such as dolus, kombu, nagaswara, saxophone, and performances like keelukudure and hulivesha. Around 15,000–20,000 devotees are expected to take part in the walk from Ekkaru to Kateelu, carrying the sacred items to the temple. Food and refreshments will be provided along the route, with arrangements made near the temple and bus stand.

On November 14, Chandikahoma and Ashtottara Shata Narikela Ganayaga rituals will be held. On November 16, the installation of the crowns and invocation ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by Talamaddale at 3 p.m., Gajjé Kattuvudu (anklet ceremony) at 5 p.m., and the open-air Yakshagana performance “Pandava Ashwamedha” later in the evening.

At 6 p.m., a special public function will be graced by Pejawar Math seer Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji, Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Ministers Shivraj Thangadagi and Dinesh Gundu Rao, MP Brijesh Chowta, MLA Umanath Kotian, and other notable guests. Over 25,000 devotees are expected to visit the Katilu temple on the occasion.

The Kateelu temple, renowned for its education and community service, spends about ₹10 crore annually on educational initiatives. The temple provides three free meals daily, including a morning porridge meal, and maintains three goshalas (cow shelters). It also offers opportunities for Bharatanatyam and music artists to perform, with hundreds having served recently.

Other events include permanent staff and artist conventions, the documentation of Kateelu Melas’ history, and academic seminars. A unique meet-up of social media creators associated with the Kateelu Melas was also organized, attended by hundreds of videographers and photographers who have documented the performances.

Kateelu temple also publishes the only monthly magazine dedicated to Thenkuthittu Yakshagana, and will host writer-reader gatherings, artists’ meetings of all seven troupes, and a photo exhibition on the Melas.

Providing details at a press conference, Hereditary Archaka Sri Harinarayanadas Asranna announced that the procession from Bajpe and the inauguration of the annual tour will mark the beginning of this year’s performances. Present at the briefing were Koddethur Guthu Sanath Kumar Shetty (President, Temple Management Committee), Vasudeva Asranna, Lakshminarayana Asranna, and Anantapadmanabha Asranna (hereditary priests), and Bipinchandra Shetty and Kalladi Deviprasad Shetty (organisers of the Kateelu Melas).