Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 20: In a move aimed at safeguarding the state's rich cultural heritage and maintaining public decorum, the Karnataka government has announced plans to impose a strict ban on the use of disc jockeys (DJs) and the performance of "item songs" during religious processions and cultural festivals across the state.

The government's decision comes in response to growing concerns over the "distasteful" trend of playing loud, inappropriate music during traditional celebrations, including temple fairs and jayantis (birth anniversaries).

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Preserving tradition over noise

Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi, emphasized in the Assembly that the state is in favour of implementing these curbs to prevent the erosion of local traditions. "DJs and loud music have become a major problem during cultural events and religious processions. It is disheartening to see that in many instances, processions of our deities do not move forward unless item songs are played on loudspeakers. This trend is a deviation from our cultural values and must be addressed," the minister stated.

Backing this sentiment, several senior leaders including labour minister Santosh Lad noted that such modern DJ culture serves no genuine cultural purpose and often causes immense distress to the elderly, children, and cardiac patients with pacemakers. Instead of high-budget DJ sets, the government intends to encourage and fund traditional folk art forms and cultural programmes at the district and taluk levels.

Public health and safety concerns

Beyond the cultural impact, the proposed ban also addresses severe noise pollution. Many citizens have reported that the decibel levels during these events are unbearable, often leaving the local police helpless in controlling the volume. The government highlighted that while earlier celebrations were rooted in community spirit and local history, the recent shift toward loud music has compromised public safety and peace.

Strict crackdown on obscenity

This move aligns with a parallel directive issued by the state police headquarters, which has instructed commissioners and superintendents to crack down on the promotion of obscene songs in public. Authorities have been told to investigate complaints regarding lyrics that demean women and children, often performed under the guise of entertainment at fairs or through social media.

The government has indicated that it is prepared to issue a formal order to this effect soon. Officials clarified that the objective is not to curb devotional music or traditional bhajans but to eliminate inappropriate content that disrupts the sanctity of religious and cultural occasions.