Sri Idagunji Mahganapathi Yakshagana Mandali is Yakshagana Performing troupe (Mandali), with a colorful history of more than 85 years, located in  picturesque coastal Karnataka, in the cultural village of Gunavante. It has performing spaces (Auditorium, Amphitheatre) and hosts festivals (Natyotsava) and a number of socio-cultural activities.

 Established in 1934 by the renowned artiste, recipient of National award Late Keremane Shivarama Hegde the Troupe is steadily growing over the years. His son, late Sri Keremane Shambhu Hegde led the troupe to new heights during the last 40 years. The Troupe is named after the family deity Lord Ganapati of Idagunji (a nearby place to Gunavante of Honnavar Taluk, Karnataka). Today it is striding towards new goals under the dynamic stewardship of his grandson, Sri Keremane Shivananda Hegde. 

Keremane is a family name and also a name of the place in Gunavante, Karnataka where the well-known Yakshagana artists' family is based.

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Since its inception, the troupe has been enacting the episodes of Indian Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata. It has been the endeavor of the troupe to maintain purity in tradition and perfection in its performances. Many experiments and innovations are conducted without affecting the traditional heritage of this theatre. Since its beginning, the troupe has performed more than 9000 shows.

 

It has toured not only in India but also traveled extensively in the USA, England, Spain, Bahrain, France, China, Nepal, etc., to popularize this art. Unadulterated performance of Mandali has been keeping balance in attracting both common mass and intellectual group. The Mandali's constant exposure to experiments & innovations and the consequent impact on the field of art inspired a researcher who obtained a doctorate by submitting a thesis to Karnataka University. The thesis "Contribution of Idagunji troupe to Yakshagana Art " which was published in book form in 1998. 

 

 Presently Mandali has 15 permanent artists and 5 guest artists and is engaged in giving performances all over the world.

It is registered as a trust under the Bombay public trust act (1950) and has advisory and working bodies.

 

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The Wikipedia page on Our Troupe (The Mandali)