Yakshagana melas feel the heat of poll code

Yakshagana melas in Udupi district are facing the heat of the model code of conduct that in in for the Assembly elections as their shows go on late into the night and they use loudspeakers.

A case in point was the show of the Kamalashile Yakshagana Mela held at Nandikona Daivasthana in Amasebail village of the district on March 28.

The show organisers had not got permission from the Returning Officer to use loudspeakers. On getting information, a team led by Assistant Commissioner Bhoobalan T. and probationary IAS officer Poovitha landed at the venue around 11 p.m. and told them that they had to take permission.

Mr. Bhoobalan told The Hindu that there was no blanket ban on Yakshagana shows. The organisers only had to take permission from the Returning Officer and no loudspeakers were to be used from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“We have asked for an explanation from the organisers of the Yakshagana show at Amasebail. We will take action based on the explanation,” said Ms. Poovitha.

Sachidananda Chatra, managing trustee, Sri Brahmi Durgaparmeshwari Temple, Kamalashile, said the mela gives two Yakshagana performances daily.

“I don’t recall having taken such permission during the earlier elections. We will have to take permission daily or in bulk as our shows are held daily till May-end,” he said.

Since many Yakshagana melas and show organisers are unaware of this, detailed guidelines are being issued about the model code of conduct.

A single-window system has been started where anyone holding a cultural function can apply 48 hours in advance with an undertaking that the model code of conduct will not be violated.