Bantwal: A shocking incident in Bantwal recently saw senior Yakshagana artist Ashok Shetty Sarpadi confronting a man dressed in Yakshagana attire and demanding that he remove his costume. The incident took place during the Navratri festival when the man, reportedly from Davanagere, was on his way to Brahmasree Narayana Mandir on BC Road.
In a video that has gone viral, Ashok Shetty Sarpadi is seen forcing the man to strip off his Yakshagana attire while questioning his choice of clothing. He can be heard saying, “We worship Yakshagana here, you know? Do you dress up and beg for alms?” The situation escalated as the artist threatened to harm the man if he did not comply.
The incident has sparked intense debates and discussions within the public domain. Many people have expressed outrage over the derogatory remarks made against the art of Yakshagana and the aggressive behavior of the artist. There are calls for the district administration to issue a circular outlining what attire is considered inappropriate.
As the controversy unfolds, it’s worth noting that the department has clarified that there are no official circulars restricting specific disguises during religious festivals, leaving room for varying interpretations of what is deemed acceptable attire. The incident raises questions about cultural sensitivity and the boundaries of artistic expression, shedding light on the need for greater awareness and understanding in cultural contexts.
