Allow Zadipatti theatre shows, Congress leader Mahendra Brahmanwade demands as permissions are refused

Gadchiroli: Congress leader Mahendra Brahmanwade has demanded that permission be granted immediately for Zadipatti theatre performances, alleging that the administration is turning them down this year on various grounds, News34 reported. Artists and theatre companies across east Vidarbha have been left in difficulty as a result, he said.

Hundreds of Zadipatti shows are staged every year in six districts of east Vidarbha, including Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. Besides entertaining rural audiences, the theatre takes up social, educational and family themes and gives local artists a stage of their own, Brahmanwade said.

The Zadipatti theatre business turns over more than ₹100 crore a year. Along with actors, writers, directors, composers, musicians, decorators, pandal suppliers and drivers depend on it, and local markets benefit too. Since many artists and technicians rely on these shows for their income through the year, refusing permission hurts the whole trade, he said.

Calling Zadipatti theatre the cultural identity of east Vidarbha, Brahmanwade said the administration should look beyond the permission process, consider the cultural tradition and the livelihoods of thousands, remove the hurdles and grant permissions in due course. The administration's reasons for refusing permissions were not part of the report.

Source: News34 Chandrapur