Dasara procession: After performing barefoot for 5 km, artists ask for better remuneration

Mysuru: "We danced barefoot for 5 kilometres from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantapa torchlight parade ground during the Jamboo Savari procession route in Mysuru on Thursday.

"We walked back another 5 km from Bannimantapa ground to Nanjaraj Bahadur choultry where we were accommodated. There were 40 members in our team but we got a remuneration of Rs 36,000 that is Rs 900 per head," shared a 70 year old artist Ramu (name changed) who performed in Dasara procession.

Undeterred by sun or rain 93 troupes comprising as many as 1479 artists—1220 male and 259 female artists—kept the audience spellbound with their non-stop performance of music and dance for three and half hours. They have urged the government to provide better payment.

These artists showcased 58 rich folk cultural art forms of Karnataka in the procession.

They performed various instruments-Chande vaadana, Jaggalagi mela; they featured-Donnevarase, Maragaalu kunitha; carried things like Nandi dhwaja; they wore Gaarudi gombe, Huli vesha, Chilipili gombe, Kathakali gombe, Hagalu vesha, Bedara vesha and more.

Artist Ramu further shared, "When I registered my organisation and first performed in Dasara with 15 members in 1998 we got Rs 2500 that is Rs 166 per head. Even now remuneration is low. Besides accommodation, they provided dinner on Wednesday night, breakfast and lunch on Thursday. They took us in buses to the Palace. After we returned to Choultry, they provided dinner, payment and we returned," he said.

Asked about not wearing shoes, he said, "Once we wear the costumes after prayer, we won't wear shoes as we perform with devotion. It is an opportunity to perform in the Dasara procession, so we tolerate pain. It takes atleast few days to relax. We understand that the Government has to pay other artists who are part of the procession and various events during entire festivities. But it would be great if they increase our payment," he said.

Another female Artist Suma (name changed) shared, "There were 10 members in our team. We came from Yadgir and Bidar from North Karnataka. But we got payment of Rs 34,000 and it included traveling allowance. Earlier mainly male members performed. These days many females are also performing art forms to carry forward their family traditions. It is not easy. Many mainly depend on the Art. Many are daily wage workers. Recognising our efforts, the Government should increase our remuneration" she said.

Another artist shared "We were a team of 23 members. We spent Rs 2 lakh for Huli Vesha for paint, generator, artists, expenses of travelling from Udupi. But we got Rs 63,000. We performed for passion, as service to Goddess Sri Chamundeshwari devi. But they should provide better remuneration," said another artist.

"Government is spending more than Rs 40 Crore for Dasara. Artists at Yuva Dasara and those who perform infront of illuminated Mysuru Palace are paid thousands, lakhs and Crores. Government must consider the struggle of these folk artists and increase remuneration for equal opportunities and justice. They should atleast get sponsorships to increase their payment, to buy properties or costumes or travelling" Raju Mysurean felt.

Previous year Mysuru district administration spent Rs 18.17 crore for Yuva Dasara, Rs 2.20 crore for cultural events.

Assistant director of Department of Kannada and Culture, M D Sudarshan assured of bringing it to the notice of government to increase the remuneration of these folk artists in the coming Dasara processions.