Mangaluru: The State Government has given green signal to all religious places to use loudspeakers subject to restrictions. However, the Yakshagana, Kambala, Jatre and Utsava season slated to begin this month and the Government has not issued any guidelines for the same. If these festivals are hit, the cultural tourism of the coastal region will also suffer a setback, says Yakshagana enthusiasts.
Kantara movie depicting coastal region is making waves, globally. As a result, Kambala, Kola and Nema of Tulunadu have gained more importance this time. However, Yakshagana and Kambala here have been shadowed by the Supreme Court’s noise pollution regulations. This has left the owners of the Yakshagana Mela, and Kambala organisers in a quandary.
The Supreme Court has upheld the noise pollution rule and ordered strict compliance with the 2005 rule. As per this rule, the use of loudspeakers is restricted from 10.00pm to 6.00 am, which has disrupted fairs and festivals in the Coastal Districts.
Some rules have been laid down for the use of loudspeakers in the State. Loudspeakers can be used only between 6. 00 am and 10.00 pm. In the industrial area, consumption is allowed up to 75 decibels during the day and 10 decibels at night. In commercial areas, the level should be 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night. In residential zones, the building level can be used at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Noise of 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night is allowed in the calm zone. Organisers say it is difficult to conduct Yakshagana, Utsava and Kambala by following such rules.
Applications have been invited from mosques, temples and churches in the State regarding loudspeakers and around 11,850 applications have been received. Out of these, 10,889 mosques, over 3,000 Hindu temples and over 1,400 churches have been allowed by the Government for the next two years and according guidelines, teh Government has stated to pay fee of Rs. 450foe the same.
Yakshagana, Kambala and Jatra festivals are held in the Coastal areas at night. The Supreme Court rule is now a hurdle and the cooperation of the District Administration is important if these arts are to be performed traditionally. We have no insistence on time-bound Yakshagana. However, in the wake of the Supreme Court order, the organisers have opined that the District Administration should allow the exhibition till at least 12.00 midnight.
