Rajkot

Leading folk singers/commentators in Gujarat have raised their voice against controversial tradition of showering currency notes during Dayro(folk music and commentary) events.
They have made it clear that this tradition is not age-old and it has been in practice only in recent years.

Last week in an interview, topmost folk singer Praful Dave stated that showering currency notes over artist on stage is like showering notes on bar girls. It’s shameful, he added and went on to say that showering currency notes over artist is not tradition but an insult.

Legendary folk artist Bhikhudanbhai Gadhvi recalls that in earlier days when Sadhu-sant were performing Santvani, the people from audience would come to seek their blessings and put notes on harmonium. The tradition was limited to just this. He said throwing lakhs and crores of Rupees in Dayro events is not old tradition.

Haji Ramakdu who has performed at 100s of Dayro events recalls early days and says that the tradition to throw small amount of currency notes was there in Kutch, but not in other parts of Gujarat including Saurashtra. Dayro is not Mujra and therefore those who want to contribute should contribute the money in respectful way. An artist earns his bread through money. Instead of showering currency notes, it should be given to some instrument player for his better life.

It should be mentioned here that a few weeks ago, a Dayro singer posted tweet declaring that Rs 4 crore currency notes were showered during his Dayro event in rural Jamnagar district in Gujarat. When his tweet attracted media attention, he clarified that the money was showered for welfare of cows. However local panjrapol which was to be benefited through that event later said it had not received any donation. From where the currency notes come, and where do they go is unanswered question, and out of the bound of Income Tax department.