Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Oct 16: "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dasara festival, including the world famous Mysuru Dasara is being celebrated in a simple manner," said Dakshina Kannada in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary on Friday October 16.

Poojary further said, "The deputy commissioner has received appeal for allowing traditional Tiger dance in front of the religious places during Navaratri. This will be looked into. Only limited number of Tiger dance troupes will be allowed to perform with all Covid-19 guidelines like social distance and others.

"More than 2,000 Yakshagana artistes are there in the district. There is also proposal of new troupes. None of them should be unemployed. The government wishes that every artiste should work and promote this art. Such an environment will be created for the same.

"Covid-19 test needs to be carried out on Yakshagana artistes. Only limited number of spectators will be allowed to watch the performance. In addition, discussion needs to be held on government grant on performances that run overnight. Once this is done, Yakshagana troupes will be allowed to perform within Covid-19 guidelines. The proposal of Provident Fund and pension to the Yakshagana artistes is also taken a backseat due to the financial setback. However, thought will be given towards this matter also,” he said.