Relax restrictions during Dasara: Forum

Mangaluru: A protest meeting organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Tulu Nadu Dharmika Samskritika Vaibhava Samrakshana Samiti resolved to urge the state govt not to impose time limits and sound system restrictions during the Dasara festival across Karnataka.The meeting, held at the Gorakshanatha Mandira, Kadri, on Tuesday, urged the govt to amend rules after holding consultation meetings with prominent persons from the Yakshagana, drama, Bharatanatyam, and other art forms in the state. "The govt should allow all programmes, including processions, without any restrictions as earlier," leaders from various organisations urged.The meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to chief minister Siddaramaiah through the district administration. VHP leader HK Purushotham said Dakshina Kannada district has its own religious and cultural heritage, with festivals being held throughout the day and night as per the traditions. Since the number of participants for such programmes has seen a drastic increase in recent years, it is essential for the organisers to use loudspeakers. However, without considering these facts, restrictions are imposed on the use of loudspeakers, and programmes are restricted to 10 pm. He said those restrictions have hurt lakhs of people who are involved in religious and cultural activities.Purushotham said the govt has been selectively imposing restrictions on Hindu festivals, Yakshagana, drama, and processions only in Dakshina Kannada. "This seems to be an effort to undermine the cultural heritage of the district. The govt has been imposing restrictions keeping in mind the law and order in the sensitive region. However, the district has not reported any untoward instances due to loudspeakers and processions. Programmes like Yakshagana, drama, Daiva Kola, and nema were organised in the district from 10 pm to the next morning for many centuries. Hence, the govt should ensure that all religious and cultural programmes are allowed in the district without any hindrances," he urged.Dayanand Kattalsar, former chairman of the Karnataka Tulu Academy, VHP leader Shivananda Mendon, theatre artistes Devadas Kapikad, Kishore D Shetty, Vijayakumar Kodialbail, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Dhanraj Shetty, Lakshman Kumar Mallur and Yakshagana artiste Sathish Shetty Patla were present.