Vulgar performances in Jatras during Khandagiri Mela: Odisha govt to bring guidelines soon

Efforts are underway to regulate indecent or obscene performances during Khandagiri Mela in Odisha with new guidelines expected to be unveiled soon. Minister of Culture Suryabanshi Suraj on Sunday informed that adequate time is being given to the jatra groups to mend their ways and soon detailed guidelines will be released.

Meanwhile, the jatra groups and other organisers have appealed to the Minister of Culture for a delay in implementing stringent measures, requesting additional time to comply with the new regulations.

The fresh move seeks to address concerns about law and order which is the prime concern during the Khandagiri mela.

The police and the home department are currently involved in addressing these issues, with input from various stakeholders. Discussions have been conducted with the festival committee, performers, and proprietors to ensure broad-based engagement, said the minister.

Also Read: ‘No obscene dance’ during Bhubaneswar Khandagiri Mela this year

“Police and Home Department are looking after the law and order situation during Khandagiri mela. Regarding vulgar performance, the state government is soon going to release guidelines,” said Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

According to the Minister, some groups had urged not to initiate stern action against them and they should be given some time. “On their request, we have given some time and closely monitoring things,” the Minister added.

Earlier, the Khandagiri Jatra Committee had stated that no vulgar performances would be tolerated during the festival. Now, with the jatra groups urging the government for some leniency, it remains to be seen what will be the outcome in the future.

Rani Priyadarshini, a jatra actress said, “Item dances should not be mixed with vulgarity. We can entertain the public with our dance performances. We have heard about the guidelines for long. But there should be clarity on what a dancer should wear. I also demand that vulgarity should be allowed, but item dance performances should be allowed as it is a source of livelihood.”

Priyadarshini further said that some actresses are promoting vulgarity in the name of item numbers; hence, action should be taken against such actresses. 

“There are some kind of obscene acts even during comedy acts and other performances during jatra shows. At times, the jatra organisers, dancers and others also encourage vulgarity,” said the actress adding that Odisha actors are not being allowed to showcase performance while the Committees are bringing item dancers from outside.

Countering the allegations, Jatra organiser, Banambar Hatua said, “Which organiser is promoting vulgarity? The actress should reveal the names of such people. We welcome immediate stoppage of any kind of obscene acts during stage performances across Odisha, and even during Khandagiri mela.”