New rules introduced to regulate Chikkamela performances in DK

Mangaluru: Tenkuthittu Chikkamelagala Okkoota, Dakshina Kannada District Central Committee has announced a set of guidelines to regulate and preserve the traditional house-to-house Yakshagana performances conducted during the monsoon.

The committee said the move comes amid rising concerns over misuse of the art form and the entry of untrained performers, and to encourage discipline.

It stated that all Chikkamela teams must now register with the union and obtain official permission before visiting houses. Only authorised teams will be allowed to perform, and households have been asked not to entertain multiple teams.

Sarapady Ashok Shetty, president of the okkoota, told reporters that artistes will not be allowed to demand more money from houses, and to accept whatever is given. He also noted that each team will have five villages or wards allotted. We have requested Chikkamela’s to originate from a temple, and to obtain a consent letter from the temple adminstration.

The door-to-door visit of Chikkamela’s will commence from Wednesday.

As per the new guidelines, performances must be limited to 20 minutes and conducted between 6 pm and 10.30 pm. The shows should present meaningful mythological or historical content in Kannada or Tulu. The union has also laid down strict behavioural rules. Artistes must maintain discipline, avoid smoking, alcohol, and mobile phone use during performances, and wear proper costumes. Teams must perform only in designated areas of the house, and follow a respectful approach while interacting with families.

A portion of the earnings from each team be set aside for a fund to support artistes. The committee clarified that its office bearers will not benefit financially from the activities.

The union also demanded a ban on the misuse of Yakshagana costumes during festivals like Navratri, Dasara, Ganeshotsava, and Ashtami. It urged the public to report such incidents to police.