Song of Yakshas by Karnataka & Tulu Folklore Artists | Srinagar | Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages presented Karnataka and Tulu folklore with classical fusion on Karnataka Diwas. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha graced the occasion with his presence. Since ancient times, Karnataka has been an energetic center of literature, architecture, music, dance and many folk traditions, customs and festivals, LG said. I was just watching the presentation of Yaksha Daan. Dasha Avatar, the oldest form of Yaksha Daan, is first mentioned in ‘Chandraprabha Purana’, written in the tenth century. Today it is our good fortune that this presentation of the Song of Yakshas has been organised in Sharda Peeth, the center of knowledge. I have full confidence that this event will prove to be the best symbol of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ through its songs, music, dialogue and dance, LG said. When Yaksha is in focus then I think that the Yaksha- Yudhishthir dialogue of Mahabharata would come in everyone’s mind. But if this question was raised by Yaksh to me what is most surprising? I would say that there can be no bigger surprise than the fact that such an excellent performance is taking place in this auditorium of Srinagar. Shiva sutras say that dance is visible outside in the external body. But it is driven by inner existence. And just like that there is no colour stage outside rather it is a reflection of the artist’s inner joy. Karnataka is the only state in the country where Hindustani and Carnatic singing styles and traditions developed together. Cultural diversity has played a very important role in building a creative society in Karnataka, LG said. From Kashmir to Karnataka, art seekers have kept the specialties of culture alive through their practice. The traditions rooted in ancient wisdom have gone beyond the boundaries of language and have established deep roots in every section of the society. I believe that art is the real energy of society. Art is also a medium for each person’s personal exploration. Today, artists from Jammu and Kashmir are giving their performances in many cities. And artists from different parts of the country are coming here and helping us in strengthening national unity. I understand that the medium of art is such where people from different languages and different genres come together with a common objective, LG remarked. This provides an opportunity to preserve human values like sacrifice of service and mutual cooperation and to spread new energy in understanding, said the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.