new Delhi: After a Bharatanatyam dance of Muslim origin, Manasiya VP, who was denied permission to perform at a 10-day cultural festival at a temple complex in Thrissur, has received support from several quarters.
Former Health Minister KK Selja said on Monday that it was a matter of concern not to allow demonstrations in the temple premises on religious grounds. On Tuesday, Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed that he was shocked to learn that a Bharatanatyam dancer was refused to perform.
Tharoor was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, “I understand some restrictions regarding access to the sanctum sanctorum in some temples. But it is a dance performance with other dancers in the temple premises. Surprised that the temple is not allowing it. Is.”
I understand some restrictions regarding access to the sanctum sanctorum in some temples. But it is a dance performance with other dancers in the temple premises. Shocked that temple is not allowing it: Shashi Tharoor on Bharatanatyam dancer denied permission to perform in Kerala temple pic.twitter.com/5nBQgnospY
— ANI (@ANI) 29 March 2022
There are many disadvantages of refusing an artist to perform on the basis of religion, but one of the most important is that it serves our society poorly and also harms our perception of religion in the eyes of others.
On Sunday, Manasiya wrote in a Facebook post, “My performance was scheduled for April 21 at 4-5 pm, but a temple functionary called me and informed me that I was not allowed to perform. Because I am a non-Hindu.”
All stages are allocated on the basis of religion, not considering whether you are a good dancer or not. Meanwhile, I am also facing questions about whether I have become a Hindu after marriage. (She was married to musician Shyam Kalyan). I have no religion and where should I go.”