Mangaluru: A massive Janagraha meeting was held in Mangaluru on Tuesday to protest against the district administration’s restrictions on religious and cultural activities. The rules, which prohibit the use of loudspeakers during Yakshagana, plays, and temple-related performances and mandate that all events end before 10 pm, have triggered strong opposition from cultural and religious groups.

The gathering was organised by the Tulu Nadu Religious and Cultural Heritage Protection Committee, with the support of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The venue, Goraksha Jnana Mandir near Kadri Park, was filled with thousands of participants, including artistes, technicians, and representatives from different organisations.

Tradition and faith cannot be disturbed

Addressing the meeting, Srihari Narayanadasa Asranna of Sri Kshetra Kateel said that night-long cultural and religious events form the backbone of Hindu tradition. Practices such as Daiva worship, temple festivals, Yakshagana, and dramas, he stressed, are not just entertainment but sacred acts of devotion.

“These are not mere performances but integral to faith and long-standing custom. Hurting such beliefs can have severe consequences,” Asranna cautioned, calling on the administration to reconsider the restrictions.

Leaders and artistes join hands

The meeting was presided over by Dr M. B. Puranik, VHP state executive member. Among the prominent figures present were MLA Umanath Kotian, Bhagavatha Patla Satish Shetty, actor Devadas Kapikad, director Vijay Kumar Kodialbail, RSS functionary P. S. Prakash, and Sound Owners’ Association president Dhanaraj Shetty.

Yakshagana artistes, theatre professionals, Daiva performers, light and sound technicians, shamiana workers, decorators, caterers, and vendors turned up in large numbers, emphasising the vast ecosystem that depends on cultural activities.

MLAs assure full support

Several MLAs from Dakshina Kannada district assured their support for the cause.

  • Mangaluru South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath promised to meet the Deputy Commissioner and the police to explain the cultural importance of such events. He also vowed to take artistes to Bengaluru to meet the Chief Minister and Home Minister. “If needed, I will give up my MLA seat, but I will never give up our religious faith,” he declared.

  • MLA Dr Y. Bharath Shetty said nearly 3,000 people dependent on cultural and religious activities were in distress because of the rules. Warning of an agitation, he said, “If the government does not respond, we will be forced to take to the streets.”

  • MLA Rajesh Nayak Ullippady highlighted the economic impact, noting that the district’s economy is closely linked to cultural and religious events. “The pain of artistes is the pain of the entire district,” he said.

  • MLA Bhagirathi Murulya questioned why such restrictions were applied only in Dakshina Kannada. She urged youth to join the civil services to prevent such decisions in future, attributing the issue to “officials lacking cultural understanding.”

    • Demands for government intervention

    The Committee resolved to submit a memorandum to the Chief Secretary through MLAs. Their demands include:

    • Permission for Yakshagana, Daiva Nema, Bharatanatyam, and other cultural events without restrictions on sound systems.

  • Relaxation of rules during the upcoming Dasara festival for at least 12 days.

  • Recognition of traditional performances as cultural heritage that must be preserved.

  • Government action to ensure livelihoods of thousands dependent on these activities.

    • VHP state joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell presented the resolution. District president H. K. Purushotham welcomed the gathering, while secretary Shivananda Mendon read out the memorandum. The programme was anchored by Madhuraj.

    Thousands pledge to resist restrictions

    The Janagraha meeting concluded with a collective resolution to resist the restrictions through a non-political struggle to protect Tulu Nadu’s religious and cultural heritage. Participants pledged unity in defending traditions that have been practised for generations.

    Notable cultural figures such as Kishore D Shetty, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Bhaskarachandra Shetty, Dr Ashajyothi Rai, Polali Giriprakash Tantri, Madhu Bangera Kalladka, Krishnakumar Manjeshwar, Chandrashekar Shetty, Babu K Vittla, Lakshman Kumar Mallur, Ashok Shetty Sarapadi, Kiran Kumar Jogi, Annu Poojari, Tushar Suresh, Gokul Kadri, and Jagannath Shetty were among those who expressed solidarity.

    The scale of the gathering and the strong support from elected representatives indicate that the issue is likely to escalate unless the administration provides immediate clarity and relief.