Transgenders In Mangalore to Organize Yakshagana Performance Likely For The First Time

A group of seven transgenders have come forward with an initiation to organise a Yakshagana performance probably for the first time. Aishwarya, the transgender who has taken the lead in organising the program, is excited at organising a Yakshagana ‘seve’ this weekend.

The performance will be at Katte Maidan, Kodikal, on Friday from 6.30 pm to 12.30 am. The episode is called ‘Shri Devi Mahatme’ by Sri Jnanashakti Subrahmanyaswami Kripaposhita Yakshagana Mandali, Pavanje, which will be led by Yakshadhruva Patla Sathish Shetty. She approached Patla Sathish Shetty, a Yakshagana expert through a common friend, who is also part of Pavanje Mela. Initially told that he had been booked for the year, but gave two options for Aishwarya. Patla Sathish Shetty said that when a transgender approached with a request for a show, “I could not say ‘no’ though our schedule is packed for the year. People from different faiths like Christians and Muslims organising a Yakshgana performance is common, but transgenders coming forward is probably for the first time and indicates the growing popularity of art form that is above religion and now even gender,” he said.

Aishwarya has been a member of the Nava Sahaja organisation. She is employed and her children are educated.