For organisers of Maharashtra’s increasingly popular “DJ Lavani” shows, the festive season may now come with an additional hurdle: a suitability certificate. The State Stage Performance Censorship Board has directed police to ensure that public performances of Lavani and other folk forms are allowed only after organisers produce a mandatory “Suitability Certificate” for the script, announcement or synopsis.

The move comes amid growing complaints that performances featuring female dance performers are being staged under the label of traditional Lavani, while using film songs, DJ music and allegedly obscene dance routines.

In a circular dated August 14 and addressed to the Director General of Police, police commissioners and superintendents of police, the board warned that certificates issued for traditional Lavani performances were being misused to stage “obscene” performances using live DJs without obtaining the required suitability certificate.

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The board has asked police to permit public entertainment programmes — including plays, one-act plays, folk dramas, tamasha (drama), Lavani, folk music and fairs — only after verifying that organisers have obtained the certificate from the board in accordance with government directives.

The circular also makes clear that the certificate will not shield organisers from action if performers go beyond the approved content.

“If any vulgar content beyond the certified scripts/announcements/summaries is noticed in such programmes, or if complaints are received in that regard,” the board said, police can approach it for copies of the certified material and other documents required to initiate action against those concerned.

The latest directive follows a representation by Babasaheb Patil, president of the Nationalist Congress Party’s film and cultural department, seeking action against what he termed vulgar and objectionable programmes.

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Patil welcomed the board’s decision, saying it would help prevent the misuse of traditional Lavani.

The issue has gained renewed attention after a Nagpanchami procession in Battis Shirala in Sangli district last week came under scrutiny following allegations of obscene performances by female dancers. Police subsequently took action against 16 festival committees.

Over the past four to five years, live dance programmes featuring popular female performers have increasingly become a fixture at village festivals, Dahi Handi celebrations, fairs and even election campaigns across rural Maharashtra. While organisers often bill them as Lavani, performances frequently involve groups of female dancers performing to Hindi and Marathi film songs accompanied by loud DJ music.

The shows have drawn large crowds, particularly young men, and have also triggered criticism over the way dancers are presented and the nature of their performances. Traditional Lavani performers, meanwhile, have expressed concern that such programmes are blurring the distinction between the folk art form and commercial dance shows while affecting their livelihoods.

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The controversy is not new. In 2023, then Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar had urged party workers to refrain from organising such performances.