Devotees stage controversial food-rolling ritual despite social activists' protests

Amid stiff opposition from social activists, Made Snana - the ritual of rolling over on the food leftovers of Brahmins - has been performed by several devotees in the temple town of Kukke Subrahmanya in Karnataka.

The ritual has been categorised as a blind belief in the proposed Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill (2013) after progressive leaders and liberals in the state upped their ante against the controversial practice.

As part of the ritual, devotees belonging to the Scheduled Tribes and other lower castes roll over the food remains left by Brahmins on plantain leaves under the belief that it would rid them of various ailments.

Devotees belonging to the lower castes perform the Made Snana ritual

The Karnataka High Court had earlier suggested changes in the practice in its order on November 2, 2012, but the same was stayed by the Supreme Court.

"This is an uncivilised practice. How can the temple promote such a ritual knowing that it is discriminatory? Can they show any evidence of devotees being cured of their ailment after performing the ritual?

"This is an age-old practice aimed at keeping the lower castes in the tight grip of the priestly class. I wish the government introduces the Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill (2013) in the Assembly at the earliest as that would help ban Made Snana. Hopefully, this should be the last time that the ritual is being performed," said political historian Dr A Veerappa.

Around 2 pm on Friday, more than 200 devotees performed the ritual as around 100 policemen prevented protesters from staging any demonstration in the vicinity of the temple.

The authorities had banned any kind of protest in the temple town to avoid any untoward incident.

Consequently, the protesters shifted their base to the nearby Mangalore city.

The Karnataka HC had earlier suggested changes in the practice in its order on November 2, 2012, but the same was stayed by the Supreme Court

On Saturday, leading religious heads and leaders of lower communities in state staged protest rallies in front of the Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner's office in Mangalore.

The ritual was banned by the state government in 2010.

However, Malekudiyas - a local forest tribe - objected to the restrictions.

Legend has it that Malekudiyas consecrated the Subrahmanya temple and their role in the annual festivities is significant.

In 2011, they refused to discharge their duties in the temple, demanding that the ban be lifted.

Succumbing to their pressure, the BJP government led by then Chief Minister Yeddyurappa lifted the ban in 2011, paving the way for a protracted legal battle and controversies.