Life-size models of Yakshagana and Bhootaradhane characters will from now on attract visitors at the Guttu Mane (traditional manor’s house) which was opened for visitors at Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama on Thursday.
Visitors can see Bannada Vesha and Raja Vesha of Tenku Thittu (southern school of Yakshagana) and Kedige Mundale and Stree Vesha of Badagu Thittu (northern school of Yakshagana) at the verandah of the house.
A room in the house has been christened Yakshagana chowki (make-up room). Press of a button in the room unfolds the fantasy world of Yakshagana with Bhagawathike (singing) playing in the background and replica of artistes applying make-up.
A huge life-size model of Arasu Daiva of Bhootaradhane in the verandah is the cynosure of all eyes with many visitors taking photographs with it.
A model of Panjurli , also of Bhootaradhane, has been placed opposite to the Arasu Daiva .
The house has two kiosks providing audio-visual experience to visitors— one on preparing Vale Bella ( a special type of jaggery extracted from toddy tree) and the other on preparing Akki Mudi (a traditional method of packing and preserving rice using paddy stalks or fodder).
As one enters the kitchen, he or she can see traditional material, including utensils, used in the olden days. In the chavadi (verandah at the entrance) a replica of Pattada Mancha (a royal cot), belonging to the Ajila dynasty of Aladangady, now Belthangady Taluk, has been displayed.
Masks and articles used in Bhootaradhane , a worship tradition, are the other attractions.
The house has replicas of Uroos (models made from soft wood) showing Nandigona , Koti-Chennaya and the like.The Guttu Mane has mane (a palanquin), a traditional store room, Padimara (used to separate paddy from crop) and hanging lamps.
Shashidhar Adapa, an artiste, who is one the brains behind the Janapada Loka project under which Guttu Mane has been developed, said that a replica of a traditional cane basket from one of the houses near Kollur in Udupi is on display at Guttu Mane .
