Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Duff performance planned in front of the Chennakesava temple in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada district has been cancelled following strong opposition from pro-Hindu organizations. The decision came after organizers bowed to pressure from groups like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who had expressed serious concerns over the planned cultural event.
The KVG Sullia Habba Samaj Sangha had scheduled the KVG Sullia Habba-2025 to be held in front of the Chennakesava temple on December 25 and 26. As part of the celebrations, the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy, Mangaluru was slated to present a Duff performance, a traditional cultural display popular in the region. However, the announcement of the performance triggered immediate controversy and opposition from religious groups in the district.
According to reports, the VHP and Bajrang Dal strongly objected, asserting that performing a Duff in front of the Chennakesava temple, a major Hindu religious center, could hurt religious sentiments. The groups even warned that if the performance went ahead, a Hanuman Chalisa would be recited in front of the mosque, demonstrating the depth of opposition and signaling potential community unrest.
In response to the backlash, the organizers decided to cancel the Duff performance to avoid confrontation and ensure communal harmony. Naveen Elimale, VHP Sullia Prakhand General Secretary, stated that the Chennakesava temple is a sacred place for Hindus and allowing non-religious or external performances there would offend the faith of devotees. He emphasized that all pro-Hindu organizations, including VHP and Bajrang Dal, were united in opposing the event.
Elimale also mentioned that the matter was formally submitted to the Sullia Tahsildar, the Chennakesava Temple Management Board and the Sullia Police Station. After consultations and deliberations, the organizers were officially informed that the Duff performance program had been cancelled. This incident highlights the sensitivity of cultural programs held near religious institutions and the influence of community groups in safeguarding religious sentiments.
While the Duff performance has been cancelled, the KVG Sullia Habba-2025 continues as scheduled on December 25 and 26, with other cultural activities expected to proceed without controversy. The cancellation has sparked wider discussions on the balance between cultural expression and religious sensitivity, especially in districts where religious traditions are deeply rooted. Organizers in such regions often face challenges in planning public events while respecting local beliefs and customs. The move to cancel the Duff performance is seen by many as a step to prevent communal tensions and maintain harmony within the community.
Despite the setback, preparations for the broader festival are reportedly ongoing. Organizers are now focusing on other cultural programs that form part of the KVG Sullia Habba-2025, ensuring that the celebrations continue in a peaceful and harmonious manner. The incident also underscores the importance of dialogue and coordination between event organizers, religious groups and authorities to avoid misunderstandings and preserve the sanctity of sacred spaces.
With the Duff performance cancelled, attention has shifted to other scheduled activities that celebrate local culture, art and tradition while respecting the sentiments of devotees and residents of Sullia taluk. The festival is expected to maintain its festive spirit without any disruptions, highlighting how community concerns can shape public events in sensitive cultural and religious contexts.
