Mangaluru: After nearly six months of enthralling audiences with mythological performances including the popular ‘Shri Devi Mahatme’, seven touring troupes of the famed Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Prasaditha Yakshagana Mandali, popularly known as the Kateel Mela, brought down the curtain on the season’s tour with a special performance at Kateel on Tuesday.The Kateel Mela is one of the most prominent ‘Harake Seva’ Yakshagana troupes, staging performances at the request of devotees who vow to organise Yakshagana show, as an offering after a wish is fulfilled. Devotees believe that the presiding deity Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari Amma, is deeply fond of music, dance and Yakshagana. Founded in the mid-19th century, the Kateel Mela has continued to flourish over the decades.As the demand for performances steadily grew, two additional troupes were introduced in the 1980s. The sixth mela was introduced during the 2013–14 season, and with the demand for Yakshagana ‘Harake seva’ continuing to rise each year, the Mandali launched its seventh troupe on Nov 16, 2025.Harinarayanadasa Asranna, priest, Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari temple, said that the touring season concluded on Tuesday with a special performance at the temple, capping a year in which the seven troupes staged over 1,000 shows together. He said the mela collectively comprises nearly 400 staff members, including around 175 artistes. The target this season was to complete bookings pending from 2012. However, a few performances may still remain pending as organisers are sometimes unable to contact devotees. On average, the Kateel Mela receives around 900-1,000 fresh bookings every year, besides about 500 permanent performances, he added, indicating a backlog of nearly 13 years.
