Cops warn jatra owners against vulgar display on stage | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Khandagiri jatra festival, beginning Feb 6, the commissionerate police issued stern directives to performing troupes to refrain from showing vulgarity on stage. Police have reportedly asked jatra troupe owners to ban certain controversial dancers from performing.
During a preparatory meeting on Tuesday between police and festival organisers, police authorities warned of legal consequences for breaching the instructions. “Public display of nudity during live jatra performances is a criminal offence and could disturb law and order. We sought the cooperation of the organisers for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival,” a senior police officer said.
The nine-day Kumbha Mela, also known as Magha Mela, begins Feb 4, while the jatra festival, a key attraction, runs from Feb 6 to 17. Jatra performers endorsed the police directive. They indicated that some troupe owners displayed obscenity in performances to attract visitors and shore up revenue.
“Opera party owners initially introduced item dance programmes. Subsequently, they convinced various committees to engage specific item dancers performing vulgar shows to enhance business,” said a jatra artiste, who did not wish to be named.
“We support a complete ban on obscene dance programmes. I will not blame all jatra troupe owners. A few owners promoted nudity to mint money,” said Bapi Panda, a noted jatra performer.
Sukanti Padhi, another performer, noted that displaying obscenity in item songs on stage began three to four years back. “We entertained the audience through our acting. But some women defamed the jatra platform by resorting to obscenity. This should stop immediately,” Padhi said.
Last month, Malkangiri district police had registered a case against a jatra dancer for performing an inappropriate dance during a show.
In March last year, the culture department sent letters to all district collectors and SPs with instructions to prevent obscene scenes and nudity in opera shows. The department also mandated strict action against dialogues with double meanings. However, jatra artistes stated these rules remained unenforced.
During a preparatory meeting on Tuesday between police and festival organisers, police authorities warned of legal consequences for breaching the instructions. “Public display of nudity during live jatra performances is a criminal offence and could disturb law and order. We sought the cooperation of the organisers for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival,” a senior police officer said.
The nine-day Kumbha Mela, also known as Magha Mela, begins Feb 4, while the jatra festival, a key attraction, runs from Feb 6 to 17. Jatra performers endorsed the police directive. They indicated that some troupe owners displayed obscenity in performances to attract visitors and shore up revenue.
“Opera party owners initially introduced item dance programmes. Subsequently, they convinced various committees to engage specific item dancers performing vulgar shows to enhance business,” said a jatra artiste, who did not wish to be named.
“We support a complete ban on obscene dance programmes. I will not blame all jatra troupe owners. A few owners promoted nudity to mint money,” said Bapi Panda, a noted jatra performer.
Sukanti Padhi, another performer, noted that displaying obscenity in item songs on stage began three to four years back. “We entertained the audience through our acting. But some women defamed the jatra platform by resorting to obscenity. This should stop immediately,” Padhi said.
Last month, Malkangiri district police had registered a case against a jatra dancer for performing an inappropriate dance during a show.
In March last year, the culture department sent letters to all district collectors and SPs with instructions to prevent obscene scenes and nudity in opera shows. The department also mandated strict action against dialogues with double meanings. However, jatra artistes stated these rules remained unenforced.
