Bhubaneswar: The Jatra Committee Mahasangh today met with Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, demanding special rules for Jatra organizations to stop obscenity and vulgarity.
The Mahasang also submitted a memorandum protesting certain plays that have a negative impact on society, promoting obscenity, dual-meaning words, and harmful influences.
According to the association, implementing government regulations for jatra shows can curb indecency. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured that guidelines will be issued soon to protect culture. He noted that obscene dancing often sparks commotion in opera, triggering dissatisfaction among fans.
“The culture department will address obscenity concerns,” said Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. “I have urged opera party owners to prevent distortions to Odisha’s culture.”
To address the issue, the minister announced plans to introduce legislation banning obscene dancing in jatra programs. The Opera artists and ‘Rajya Kalakar Maha Sangh’ welcomed this decision.
Umakant Mishra, secretary of Jatra Committee Mahasangh, said opera party owners initiated obscene dance programs to gain commercial advantage.
“The opera party owners initially initiated such obscene dance programmes. Later, they persuaded various committees to invite certain dancers to perform vulgar dances to boost business. The Jatra committees have no role in this. We demand a complete ban on obscene dance programmes. So, we requested the minister to introduce special regulations for it. He assured us that he will convene a meeting soon to discuss the matter,” said Umakant Mishra, secretary of Jatra Committee Mahasangh.
