Despite court’s permission all night Yakshagana performances face hurdle

Mangaluru: The High Court’s recent decision permitting Yakshagana performances throughout the night has hit a snag in its implementation.

Krishna Kumar had filed a petition seeking approval for the all-night performances at the Kateelu Shri Durga Parameshwari Dashavatara Yakshagana Board. The High Court in its judgement allowed the same with a condition not to violate the Noise Pollution Rules-2000. The petitioner is required to submit the request to the Collector, who will then take action in line with the court’s directives.

While the High Court has greenlit the endeavor, a technical challenge looms large. The primary concern revolves around decibels (dB).

Despite consultations with sound engineers, it appears that complying with the Supreme Court’s directive, limiting noise to 50 decibels from 10 pm to 6 am, poses a significant challenge. The sound levels associated with Yakshagana performances, especially in residential areas, far exceed the permissible limits, reaching up to 450-500 dB.

In response to the dilemma, the District Commissioner has granted special permission until 12:30 am, recognizing the cultural significance of the Kateelu Sri Durgaparameshwari Mela and its enduring tradition of service. Despite limited performances in the previous year, this year’s tour has already commenced.

The question of hosting night-long events is not new, with coastal fairs often experimenting with time limits. However, the unique challenge faced by Kateelu Mela lies in its performances within city and town residential areas. Advocates of the tradition argue that any disturbance during the night hinders the sacred service to devotees, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to balance tradition and community concerns.