Bantwal: Police halt Yakshagana performance, public outrage follows

Bantwal: Police halt Yakshagana performance, public outrage follows

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, Sep 1, 2025: Tension erupted in Sajipamunnur near Panemangalore after police abruptly stopped a Yakshagana performance held as part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, sparking public anger.

Citing noise regulations that prohibit the use of loudspeakers after 10 pm, the police intervened and brought the cultural programme to a halt. The move has drawn widespread criticism across the region, reigniting the debate between tradition and law enforcement.

Incidents of police halting cultural and religious performances—especially Yakshagana and dramas—on the grounds of the 10 pm noise rule have been increasing across the coastal belt, leading to growing discontent among cultural activists and the public.

What Happened at Sajipamunnur?

As part of the local Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities, the Nandavara-based Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Yakshagana troupe was staging a performance in Sajipamunnur. Around 10 pm, police arrived at the venue and stopped the show. Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking sharp criticism and emotional reactions online.

“Why Stop Yakshagana When DJs Play Late at Night?”

On social media, many questioned the selective enforcement of rules. “The Karnataka government is stifling Yakshagana, a centuries-old cultural art form. In cities like Bengaluru, DJs and pubs are allowed to operate late into the night, but cultural programmes are being shut down. We must preserve our local culture and language,” wrote one user named Vijay on X.

Karnataka Govt is stopping age old cultural art of Yakshagana.

Bengaluru cities can run DJ, Pub till late night but police trouble cultural activities.

Another reason why #TulunadState is the need of the hour to protect the indigenous culture & language.pic.twitter.com/9ODVm2Fegy

— Vije (@vijeshetty) August 30, 2025