Mangaluru: A forum in Dakshina Kannada has launched a campaign to prevent photography and videography of daivaradhane of Tulunadu. Members of the Tulunada Daivaradhane Samrakshana Vedike, have begun installation of boards prohibiting photography and videography of daiva kola, bhoota kola, nema and other demigod worship.
Vedike convener Chandu Kotian Kuppepadavu told TOI, “We have decided to visit all daivasthanas in the district and request the committee to prevent photography and videography of daivaradhane. We have put up boards prohibiting photography and videography in more than 25 shrines in the district. We also have plans to visit the remaining shrines and request the committees. We also have noticed that committees of many shrines have adopted the change by insisting devotees not to use mobile phones and cameras in its premises,” Kotian said.
He said the vedike has decided to visit a daivasthana every week as part of the campaign. “We are not forcibly stopping anyone from shooting daiva kolas. We have been trying to convince them of the significance of Tulunadu’s worship. It is very sad to see people holding mobile phones in their hands in front of the deity during nema and kola rituals. Further, such photos and videos are also misused for reels to be shared on social media. Let devotees offer prayers with folded hands instead of holding mobile phones,” he added.
Recently, members of the communities like Nalike, Pambada and Parava had held a protest in the city opposing the portrayal of daivaradhane in dramas, cinema, Yakshagana, and other entertainment platforms. Further, they also have opposed sharing of video clips of daivaradhane on social media. Daivaradhane should not be an artform for entertainment to be presented on other platforms, said the community members who held a protest.

We also published the following articles recently