‘No obscene dance’ during Bhubaneswar Khandagiri Mela this year

There will be no obscene dance performances by Jatra Troupes during the upcoming Khandagiri Mela in Bhubaneswar this year. The decision to impose restrictions on obscene dance performances was taken on Tuesday following a meeting between the organisers, jatra committee members and local police officials.

As per reports, the discussion, which took place at the Khandagiri Police Station, decided on measures aimed at preserving the cultural sanctity of the traditional event.

Complaints were received regarding certain performances that involved dance performances considered disrespectful to Odia culture. These concerns prompted today’s meeting, where local authorities and fair committee members agreed on imposing stricter guidelines to maintain the cultural decorum of the event.

The emphasis has been put on organising a disciplined fair, with plans to deploy volunteers to ensure adherence to the new regulations. Starting on the Magha Saptami, the fair will feature performances from 12 troupes, all complying with the newly established norms. As part of the efforts to maintain law and order, volunteers will be stationed in the fairground.

The initiative is aimed at restoring the fair’s reputation as a celebration of Odia heritage while encouraging both residents and tourists to participate in the festivities respectfully and responsibly.

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“It has been decided in the presence of ACP, IIC, jatra committee and organising committee members that there will be a ban on the vulgar dance during jatra performances in Khandagiri mela this year. Everybody supported the decision in unison. Discussion was also made to organize the fair in a disciplined manner this year,” said Banambar Hatua, President of Sanatan Seba Samiti.

“All the committee members have assured that vulgarity will be completely banned this year. It has a severe impact on the society. Item dancers will be banned from performing obscene dances on stage. The quality of Jatra is deteriorating due to vulgar dances,” he added.

Many Jatra artistes have also welcomed the move wholeheartedly. 

“We have been opposing obscene dances from the very beginning. We urge the administration to stop vulgar dances on jatra stages immediately.  Vulgar dances should be completely banned at all the places in Odisha including the auspicious mela in Khandagiri. The Jatra party owners and committee members should have the onus to stop vulgar dances during jatra performances," said an artiste.

Meanwhile, jatra artiste Rani Priyadarshini said that obscenity should be restricted, though item dance should not be banned during jatra performances.