Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Aug 31: A Yakshagana performance being held as part of Ganeshotsava celebrations in Sajipamunnur, near Panemangalore in Dakshina Kannada district, was abruptly stopped by police, triggering widespread public outrage.
Citing noise regulations that prohibit the use of loudspeakers after 10 pm, police intervened and halted the cultural programme, a move that has drawn criticism across the region and reignited the debate over tradition versus law.
Incidents involving police stopping cultural and religious performances — especially Yakshagana and dramas — citing the 10 pm loudspeaker rule, have been increasingly reported across the coastal belt, leading to growing discontent among cultural activists and the public alike.
What unfolded at Sajipamunnur?
A Yakshagana performance by the Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Yakshagana troupe, Nandavar was underway in Sajipamunnur as part of local Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities. At around 10 pm, police arrived at the venue and called a halt to the performance. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking sharp criticism and emotional reactions online.
'Pubs can play music late, but Yakshagana must stop?'
The move drew sharp backlash on social platforms. A user on X, named Vije, posted: "The Karnataka government is stifling Yakshagana — a centuries-old cultural art form. In cities like Bengaluru, DJs and pubs are allowed to operate late into the night, but cultural programmes are being shut down. This is yet another reason to demand a separate Tulunadu state. We must preserve our native culture and language."
Artistes speak out against 'cultural suppression'
Renowned coastal dramatist and Yakshagana artiste Devadas Kapikad also faced a similar situation recently, where one of his stage performances was ordered to be halted midway by police.
Reacting to the move, he said, "We respect the law, but the government shouldn’t take actions that snatch the livelihood of poor artistes like us. In my 38 years in theatre, not once has a Yakshagana or drama performance caused unrest or public disorder. The abrupt cancellation of my show was upsetting. I urge the government to hear the cry of theatre and Yakshagana artistes."
Tradition vs Law debate reaches Karnataka Assembly
The issue of clamping down on cultural performances in Dakshina Kannada was recently raised in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Legislators from the region, including Bharath Shetty and Vedavyas Kamath, appealed to the government to offer some relaxation in rules for such traditional events.
Assembly Speaker U T Khader also weighed in, stating: "When it comes to a conflict between law and tradition, some leniency must be shown in favour of tradition."
However, Congress MLA Narendra Swamy strongly opposed this view, saying: "The BJP is promoting unconstitutional practices by advocating for exceptions to the law in the Assembly. Such discussions should not be permitted."
In response, BJP MLAs clarified, "We are not asking for violations of the law. We are merely requesting slight relaxations, so that artistes do not suffer."
Eventually, the government assured the Assembly that it would ensure smooth conduct of cultural programmes without legal hindrance.
Anger on the ground grows
Despite the government’s assurances, reports of Yakshagana and theatre performances being halted continue to surface across Dakshina Kannada. This has sparked mounting criticism and frustration from artistes, organisers, and cultural enthusiasts who view the move as a direct threat to local heritage and community spirit.