The Malekudiya tribals, who play an important role in rituals at the Kukke Subrahmanya temple, have threatened to stay away from festivities if obstacles were not cleared to hold the controversial ‘made snana’ on Champa Shasti on November 24. They have also sought removal of made snana from the purview of the proposed Bill against superstitious practices.
In a recent letter to the Muzrai Minister, president of Rajya Aadivasi Budakattu Hitarakshana Vedike, Bhaskar Bendodi, said made snana (a ritual of devotees rolling over leftover food on plantain leaves at the temple) has been in vogue for ages in the temple revered by the Malekudiyas. Any ban on this ritual will be akin to hurting the religious sentiments of Malekudiyas, he said.
Mr. Bendodi said the High Court of Karnataka on December 24, 2014 allowed made snana. The State government challenged this decision before the Supreme Court that has now stayed it. Mr. Bendodi has asked the government to clear all obstacles and allow the ritual on November 24.
If the government fails to do so, the tribe will be forced to take a “neutral” stand on participating in the rituals, building chariot and taking part in the Pancha Parva celebration at the temple. No tribe other than the Malekudiyas are authorised to build chariot and take part in the Pancha Parva celebration.
Asked whether the ritual can be held when there is a stay by the Supreme Court, Mr. Bendodi claimed: “So far, I have not officially received any copy of the apex court order staying made snana. My request for a copy filed under the Right to Information Act has not been acted upon,” he said.
