Bhubaneswar: A controversy unfolded on the second day of the Khandagiri Jatra at the Pruthvi Raj Pandal Opera when MLA Babu Singh, who recently advocated for strict measures against vulgar performances at the festival, found himself defending an item dance performance by a group of female dancers.
The incident occurred at the Jagnyaseni Opera following Singh's felicitation and speech about the state of jatra performances in Odisha. Priyadarshini, known for her item numbers, was seen playing the damru while dancing to a popular Odia song, drawing attention from the gathered crowd. Also present at the event was noted opera actress Rani Panda.
When questioned by reporters about the apparent contradiction between his recent stance against vulgar dances—where he had threatened to use lathis against such performances—and the nature of the day's entertainment, Singh defended the performance as "commercial" rather than vulgar.
The situation has highlighted the ongoing debate about what constitutes appropriate entertainment at traditional festivals like the Khandagiri Jatra. Singh's seemingly contradictory positions—first threatening strict action against vulgar performances and then defending a controversial dance number—have raised eyebrows among festival attendees and local media.
Khandagiri Mela's jatra performances have long served as a cornerstone of Odisha's cultural heritage, traditionally blending religious themes with entertainment. However, in recent years, the festival has witnessed a transformation, often drawing criticism for departing from its traditional roots in favor of more contemporary, commercially-driven performances.
The annual event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the historic Khandagiri-Udayagiri caves, has become a battleground between traditionalists advocating for cultural preservation and performers seeking to appeal to changing audience tastes. Local authorities and cultural organizations frequently find themselves walking a tightrope between maintaining the festival's cultural integrity and accommodating evolving entertainment preferences.
This year's controversy surrounding MLA Babu Singh's stance reflects the broader challenges facing Odisha's jatra tradition. As these open-air theater performances continue to adapt to modern sensibilities, stakeholders must grapple with defining acceptable boundaries while ensuring the survival of this vital cultural institution.
