Bantwal: Tension gripped Sajipamunnur near Panemangalore on Sunday night when police stopped a Yakshagana performance held as part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, citing enforcement of noise-control regulations that prohibit the use of loudspeakers after 10 pm.
Public criticism and social media outrage
The abrupt halt angered locals and cultural enthusiasts, with videos of the incident quickly going viral on social media. Many criticised the authorities for what they see as selective enforcement of rules, alleging that late-night DJ events and parties often continue without interference, while traditional art forms are curtailed.
One user on X (formerly Twitter), Vijay, commented:
“The Karnataka government is stifling Yakshagana, a centuries-old cultural art form. In cities like Bengaluru, DJs and pubs are allowed to operate late into the night, but cultural programmes are being shut down. We must preserve our local culture and language.”
About the performance
The performance was staged by the Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Yakshagana troupe from Nandavara. It was part of local Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities, a major annual celebration in the region.
Ongoing debate: Tradition vs. noise regulations
Incidents of police halting cultural and religious events across coastal Karnataka have been increasing, sparking a debate on how to balance cultural heritage with legal compliance.
Cultural activists argue that Yakshagana, unlike high-decibel DJ music, is a folk art form that reflects the identity of coastal Karnataka and should be given reasonable concessions.
Conclusion
The Sajipamunnur incident has reignited discussions on whether noise regulations should be applied differently for traditional art forms, ensuring that culture is not lost in the name of compliance.