Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Apr 6: Yakshagana, traditional art form that is in inseparable cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka, has been facing heat generated by the strict implementation of election code of conduct since some days. Yakshagana performances are held at night in public places with use of light and microphones and these things clash with the rules forming code of conduct.
Now, every programme held in public place including Yakshagana and other non-political programmes need permission from the electoral officers which are to be obtained by way of filing declarations, as per information conveyed by Dakshina Kannada district administration. In addition, permission of police department is necessary if use of microphones (or loudspeakers) is involved. But in the permissions issued by electoral officers, it is clearly mentioned that use of microphones is barred between 10 pm and 6 am. Yakshagana performances are held normally during this particular period. Hence, organizers of Yakshagana performances are in a tizzy over how to solve this problem.
As of now, Yakshagana programmes are carried out without any problem but the clause about use of microphones has been bothering the concerned. When obtaining permission, the organizers have to declare without fail that they would not use microphones at night. The organizers of Yakshagana performances know that they are risking themselves by using microphones as they might be held responsible if something goes wrong. Therefore, popular opinion is that Yakshagana performances should be kept outside the ambit of the code of conduct.
Another rule that has come haunting Yakshagana organizers concerns about provision of food to participants. In the coast, in many cases, Yakshagana organizers provide dinner or other forms of food to guests coming to watch Yakshagana performances. The deputy commissioner of the district has mandated that details about provision of food should be informed to the election commission. Elaborate details about food provision need to be filled in, which has been creating problems for Yakshagana enthusiasts.
Recently, a Yakshagana performance at Saligrama, Udupi district, was cancelled because of this problem. In one incident, the electoral officials arrived at a place in Hebri when Yakshagana performance was on, and asked the organizers not to use microphone after 10 pm. A similar report was also received from Kota Padukere. A case was registered against organizers of a Yakshagana performance arranged at the central Maidan here, holding them responsible for setting up welcome arch without permission. Electoral officials have also been recording Yakshagana programmes on video at times.
Interestingly, the election commission has resorted to Yakshagana song rendered by Patla Sathish Shetty for creating awareness about casting votes through Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation in Dakshina Kannada district. Hoardings set up by the election commission urging people to use their franchise without fail, also contain pictures of Yakshagana Vesha.
Every day, Yakshagana performances are held at various places all along the coast. Those connected with these performances are turning jittery at the prospects of rules becoming stricter as the election approaches nearer. The election commission has to take a realistic view of this scenario and exempt Yakshagana performances from the purview of code of conduct.
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