The controversial made snana ritual entered its second day at the Kukke Subrahmanya temple with an estimated 600 devotees rolling over plantain leaves containing food partaken by upper caste persons on Wednesday.
Despite protests, court cases and controversies surrounding the ritual, temple authorities estimate that more than 900 people have participated in the ritual in the last two days. This represents a slight increase from the 800 people who had rolled over plantain leaves last year in the first two days.
Temple authorities expect the final day of the ritual on Thursday, considered auspicious, to see the highest number of devotees participating in the ritual. In 2013, more than 1,000 devotees took part on the final day.
The increase in devotees participating is significant in the wake of intensifying “awareness rallies” and protests by Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) across the State.
When asked if the numbers indicated the inefficacy of the protests and awareness rallies, K.S. Shivaramu, president of the forum, said: “This year, because of the possibility of the ritual being prohibited and modified, we believe a large number of upper-caste persons have turned up to support the ritual and to play down its caste aspect. Overall, however, the number has come down drastically because of the protests. In 2010, at least 15,000 people participated over three days. Now, it is barely 2,000.”
From health issues to “removal of a curse”, to praying for better finances, devotees offered numerous reasons for the continuation of the ritual. Some told The Hindu they had seen clippings on television and believed the ritual may cure their ailment.
“The prominent coverage to made snana may have enticed a few to practice it. But then, thousands more do not,” said Mr. Shivaramu. He said mere “awareness” campaigns would not end the ritual and the forum would push for legislative and legal solutions.