Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) imposed a ban on obscene dance performances in jatras — mobile theatre shows — during the Khandagiri mela. The decision came in response to growing concerns about vulgarity shown in the plays on stage across the state.
BMC commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said all jatra troupes, who will hold shows during the fair, have been asked to refrain from any kind of obscene performances on stage. “The owners of jatra troupes have been asked not to tarnish the image of the historic Khandagiri and the Kumbh Mela and perform any obscene dance on stage. Strict action will be taken against the violators. They assured us that it will not be violated,” Patil added.
He further said that the jatra troupe owners are aware of the rules and guidelines and they are expected to adhere to the guidelines.
The enforcement teams will keep a close watch on jatra performances, official sources said.
Leading the campaign against obscenity in jatra shows, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh on Monday also warned the performers of strict action. “Jatra is a rich cultural tradition and Khandagiri is a place of religious and spiritual practices where any kind of obscenity is not acceptable,” Singh said.