Odisha Govt Considers Ban on Obscene Dance in Jatra Shows

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is considering a ban on obscene dance performances in Jatra shows, with steps underway to formulate guidelines to prohibit vulgarity on stage. This was revealed by Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in the Odisha Assembly today, in response to concerns raised by legislators during the ongoing winter session.

Minister Suraj, while replying to Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, confirmed that a set of guidelines is being developed to regulate and prevent indecent performances in traditional Jatra shows, which are a popular cultural form in Odisha.

The issue of vulgarity in Jatra performances was brought to the forefront during a discussion in the Assembly on Monday, with BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli expressing serious concerns over the growing prevalence of obscene dances in these shows. He urged the state government to intervene decisively, even suggesting the enactment of a separate law to address the issue and preserve the cultural integrity of Odisha.

The matter gained further attention when Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh highlighted a recent incident in Ganjam district, where an objectionable performance during a Jatra show sparked public outrage. Singh called for a strict censorship mechanism to ensure that such performances are screened and modified before being staged in public, in order to protect Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

Jatra, an integral part of Odisha’s traditional performing arts, often includes a blend of drama, music, and dance, but has faced increasing criticism in recent years for some performances that cross the line of decency. The proposed move by the state government aims to safeguard the cultural values while maintaining the entertainment aspect of Jatra.