Bhubaneswar: Item dance numbers in Jatra (opera) shows during Khandagiri Mela in Bhubaneswar have been banned this year.
According to sources, the decision was taken at a meeting of personnel of Khandagiri police station in the city and representatives of Jatra Committees on the day.
The Police refused to grant permission for dance on item numbers during Jatra shows which would take off with the beginning of Khandagiri Mela on Magha Saptami (seventh day of Magha month in Odia calendar).
Taking a tough step against nudity and obscene dance, the police also directed the Jatra troupes not to allow popular item dancers Nisha, Bhagyashree Sahoo alias Sahu Bhauja and Rani Priyadarshini to perform during the shows.
Besides, a special central committee would be formed to keep a watch on the Jatra shows so that the restriction is not flouted.
As many as 13 troupes will pitch the tent at Khandagiri to perform Jatara shows which will continue from February 6 to 17.
A case has been registered by the police against jatra artiste Bhagyashree Sahoo for allegedly performing obscene dance at a programme in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
The ban on item dance has come in the wake of public outcry over alleged obscene acts and songs during a show in Kotameta of Malkangiri district in presence of a police officer recently.
The police registered a case against the artiste, ‘Sahoo Bhauja’, and the Jatra organisers while a departmental inquiry was initiated against IIC of Mathili police station.
Also Read: Police Case Against Jatra Artiste Bhagyashree Sahoo For Obscene Dance In Odisha’s Malkangiri
