It is generally a custom among the Yakshagana acting troupes or mela’s in South Canara to give the first performance on the Deepavali day in the temple they are attached to. Stories states that Kubera, the king of Yakshas got back his wealth from Bali on the Deepavali day, therefore the Yakshas sing and dance in joy expressing their pleasure.

It has been said that during the beginning of 16^th century the Tamils and Kannadigas came together with Telugus under the patronage of the King. They patronized this art and encouraged the poets, musicians and dancers who went throughout the regions. Later on performed in the Temples of Thanjavur by the Bhagavatha melas during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This gathered the people of the village after their farming activities during the dusk for conversations within themselves.