Kasaragod's yakshagana legacy at crossroads

Nearly 12 years after construction was halted, the yakshagana academy remains abandoned and in disrepair

- AROCKIARAJ J @ Kasaragod

A stone's throw away from the Sri Parthasarathi Temple at Mujangavu in Kasaragod district lies a massive structure, decaying with time, roof tiles broken and ripped apart, and the monsoon rains engulfing it in moss and vegetation. Providing evidence that it has become a den of anti-social elements, the floor is strewn with numerous liquor bottles and cigarette butts.

The Parthi Subba Yakshagana Kalakshetram, the structure in question, has been left to rot despite 90% of civil work being completed back in 2013. Social activists and performers urge the state government to finish the remaining work and open the academy, so it could help rejuvenate the art form.