Mangaluru: The guidelines outlined by the Tenkuthittu Chikkamelagala Okkoota, Dakshina Kannada District Central Committee this year have seen better compliance and improved discipline in performances and conduct compared to previous years.Ashok Sarapady, president of the okkoota, said, “In the past, we received complaints about artists performing in an inebriated state or consuming gutka and behaving inappropriately. However, such practices have reduced significantly, and so far this season, no instances of inappropriate behaviour have been reported.”The okkoota introduced the guidelines this year amid rising concerns over misuse of the art form, the entry of untrained performers, and to encourage discipline. Although the rules were largely followed, Sarapady said that this year three unregistered teams, likely from North Karnataka or Karwar, had come to perform in Karkala and Mangaluru taluks. Of these, two teams had performed in Karkala and one in Mangaluru. Last year too, around three to four such unregistered teams had visited the city, he said.He said that these teams arrived without informing the committee, and had created problems. Sarapady clarified that the committee does not oppose outsiders performing, but stressed that they must register with the okkoota for proper regulation and authorised performances, and adhere to rules and regulations.He noted that such instances affect local and registered artistes and teams, adding that these groups come here due to better earning opportunities. The art form should not turn into a business, and that the okkoota is working to regulate it, he said.Sarapady also highlighted that heavy rain naturally poses challenges, as artistes in attire get wet and the okkoota has urged artistes to take precautions during such conditions. However, he said that the problems are not significant, as many artistes now use personal vehicles.The okkoota announced the set of guidelines this year before the start of the Chikkamela, to regulate and preserve the traditional house-to-house Yakshagana performances conducted during the monsoon.
