Odisha Jatra outfit demands ban on vulgarity, new guidelines

The Jatra Committee Mahasangh (a theatre outfit) on Tuesday demanded new guidelines in Odisha as well as a ban on the performance of obscene dance in Jatra shows. The outfit functionaries met Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and handed him a memorandum in this regard.

“The Culture Department will take a final call in this regard. However, during a discussion with Jatra troupe owners three days ago, I had requested them saying there is a need to stop vulgar dance in Jatra shows and they should be careful about it. From our side, be it personal or on behalf of the State government, we have all rights to appeal them at least not to deform the culture of Odisha anywhere,” the Law Minister said when contacted.

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“The ‘item dance’ was initially started by some Jatra troupe owners in Khandagiri. Other loss-making owners later adopted the strategy. Everyone is blaming the committees now, but the committees have no role in this,” the outfit secretary, Umakanta Mishra expressed.

“We want that vulgarity should be curbed and accordingly we submitted a memorandum to the Government. If the content is good, it will certainly attract viewers. We will be called for a discussion on another date,” the secretary added.