‘Vulgar Dance’ At Khandagiri Jatra Kicks Off Storm In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Protests over vulgarity and obscenity in the performances of jatra troupes at Khandagiri Mela in Bhubaneswar gained momentum with members of Nari Surakshya Manch on Saturday staging a demonstration against Lovely’s (a jatra artiste) vulgar dance.

The women rights’ activists today warned the organisers as well as the officials of Kalinga Gananatya to refrain from organising such events.

“After the ban of a jatra troupe, vulgar dance was showcased during a show for which we staged a protest,” said Madhusmita Rath, president of Nari Surakshya Manch.

The Manch activists also lodged a complaint at Khandagiri police station and sought the intervention of Twin City Police Commissioner into such incidents.

Gugly Rath, Jatra organising committee member, on the other hand, refuted allegations of any vulgar performance by any jatra troupe at the Khandagiri Mela.

“We have told the Manch activists to come and watch the show as strict measures have already been taken to ensure that all shows are held as per rules,” said Rath.

Meanwhile, the alleged vulgar dance by Lovely has not gone well particularly with Rani Panda who was earlier banned from staging show at the Mela following a controversy. Restrictions were imposed on Rani Panda and her troupe by Commissionerate Police and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and organisors following allegations of performing nudity.

Reacting sharply over the alleged display of nudity during the recent show, Rani Panda said, “I was banned to perform at Khandagiri Jatra. But the authorities remained mute spectator when vulgar dance was performed recently. I want an answer why my image was tarnished in public.”