Yakshagana Performanceto go on From Dusk to Dawn Subject to Adhering to Noise Pollution

The High Court of Karnataka has permitted Yakshagana melas of Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari temple to perform Yakshaganas as it existed in the pre-COVID-19 period from dusk to dawn, subject to adhering to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

The petitioner had questioned the endorsement given by the Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada district, on November 15, 2022, restricting the timings of the Yakshagana programme of the temple between 5 p.m and 12.30 a.m. The reason for the DC to restrict the performance only till 12.30 a.m. was that the sound generated during the performance would be beyond the permitted decibels as per the rules.

Pointing out that the practice of performing Yakshagana is from dusk to dawn from time immemorial, it was pointed out in the petition that the restriction on the timings of Yakshagana was introduced mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions. The government counsel told the court that the authorities had no objection for permitting Yakshagana performance from dusk to dawn but the only issue is limiting the decibels of sound generated during the performance at night.