Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 27: A delegation led by state award winner and veteran Yakshagana artist, Sarapadi Ashok Shetty, has submitted a petition to the deputy commissioner (DC) and the superintendent of police (SP) demanding a ban on the misuse of Yakshagana costumes for begging, which has been disrespecting the art of Yakshagana.

Yakshagana is a globally recognized art form with its own dignity and grandeur and is considered a prestigious art of the coastal districts. The petition states that during festivals such as Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navaratri, individuals wearing Yakshagana costumes engage in begging throughout the day and behave in a manner that disrespects the art.

This behavior has caused distress and frustration among senior and junior Yakshagana artists who have dedicated many years to the art form.

The delegation, representing all Yakshagana artists and enthusiasts, has urged that in the future, the practice of wearing Yakshagana costumes, painting faces, wearing anklets, and begging on the streets should be banned in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.

They have also requested that accessories related to the prestigious Yakshagana art not be rented out. Furthermore, Sarapadi Ashok Shetty has advised that if anyone is found wearing Yakshagana attire during festivals, the public should take this matter seriously and immediately inform the local police station or call the emergency number 112.

The delegation included members of the Yakshagana Chikka Mela Union and office bearers of the district BJP arts and cultural cell.