Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Dec 11: The High Court of Karnataka has granted permission for the renowned Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple to resume its traditional Yakshagana performances from dusk to dawn. This order was delivered by Justice M Nagaprasanna in response to a petition filed by Krishna Kumar, a devout Bengaluru resident and a committed follower of the temple.

The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district had imposed a time restriction on the Yakshagana melas on November 15, 2022, allowing performances only from 5 pm to 12.30 am.

The restriction was justified on the grounds of reducing noise pollution, as there were concerns that traditional performances would exceed the permissible decibel levels under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Krishna Kumar argued that Yakshagana has historically been practiced from dusk to dawn, and that the recent curtailment was primarily due to Covid-19 restrictions. The petitioner emphasised the cultural and religious significance of the centuries-old practice, requesting that the court step in to restore the traditional timings.

During the proceedings, the government counsel expressed no objection to the Yakshagana performances being extended into the early morning hours, but stressed the importance of strictly following to the prescribed noise level regulations.

In response, the petitioner's counsel provided a formal undertaking assuring the court that the performances would not violate any regulations by complying to the decibel norms outlined in the 2000 rules.

The High Court, satisfied with the petitioner's commitment to following noise pollution guidelines, directed the Deputy Commissioner to allow Yakshagana performances as per the pre-Covid-19 schedule.

However, the court made it clear that any breach of the undertaking would give the Deputy Commissioner the authority to take appropriate legal action.

Yakshagana enthusiasts and devotees welcomed this decision with joy, seeing it as a restoration of a treasured cultural tradition.

The Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, known for its vibrant Yakshagana melas, can now once again showcase the grandeur of these performances from dusk to dawn ensuring cultural heritage preservation while obeying to environmental regulations.