Mangaluru: New guidelines introduced for disciplined conduct of Chikkamelas; public cooperation sought

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 3, 2026: With an aim to preserve the traditional Yakshagana Chikkamela culture and ensure its orderly conduct, the Thenkuthittu Chikkamelas Federation (Regd.), Dakshina Kannada District Central Committee, has announced a new set of guidelines for Chikkamela performances.

Addressing a press conference, Ashok Shetty Sarpady said Yakshagana is an invaluable part of the coastal region’s cultural heritage and that the tradition of Chikkamelas, which visit homes and perform during the monsoon season, must be preserved with dignity and discipline.

He noted that in recent years, some unauthorized groups have been conducting tours in the name of Chikkamelas, thereby affecting the reputation and sanctity of the art form. To address this issue, the federation has been formed to bring all Chikkamela teams in the district under a common regulatory framework.

Key Decisions

* Only teams possessing an official licence issued by the federation will be permitted to conduct performances.

* Performances will be allowed only between 6 pm and 10.30 pm.
* Teams must present meaningful Yakshagana episodes in Kannada or Tulu, with each performance not exceeding 20 minutes.
* Measures will be taken to ensure that multiple teams do not visit the same house in a particular locality.
* Members of the public can lodge complaints with the federation in the event of any undesirable incident involving a team.
* A portion of the income collected will be earmarked for a welfare fund to support artists in distress.
* Opposition to Misuse of Yakshagana Costumes

The federation also urged the district administration to take action against the practice of individuals wearing Yakshagana costumes and seeking alms during various festivals, stating that such activities amount to misuse of the traditional attire and undermine the dignity of the art form.

The federation appealed to the public to support the livelihood of genuine Yakshagana artists by encouraging only officially licensed Chikkamela teams. It also requested art lovers and members of the public to inform the nearest police station if they come across unauthorized groups misusing Yakshagana costumes.

Federation General Secretary Kumar Malemar, Vice-President Ramesh Kulashekara, Mohana Kalambadi, Treasurer Divakar Das (Shruti Arts), Jayant Kerekadu, and Legal Adviser Mohanadas Rai were present at the press conference.