For the last five years, Made Snana has become a major issue in Karnataka with people from various sections condemning the ritual.

The controversial ritual of Made Snana, a dubious ritual as part of which people from the Scheduled Tribes and lower castes roll on the plantain leaves and food leftovers of lunch served to Brahmins in the temple town of Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada district is planned this month backed by an order from the High Court of Karnataka. While progressive thinkers and litterateurs are mounting pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to end the practice, the temple authorities want to go ahead with it.

For the last five years, Made Snana has become a major issue in Karnataka with people from various sections condemning the ritual. People, who perform Made Snana, believe that it cures their skin diseases. A few devotees also take vow to perform Made Snana in case their wishes are answered in the temple. Every year, thousands of devotees perform Made Snana under the guidance of the temple priests.

This year, Made Snana is scheduled for December 16-17 and devotees have already registered for the same. "It is true that confusion prevails over the practice. But so far, we have not received any government order to stop Made Snana. It will go on as usual," said Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim. However, NGOs and various organizations have planned protests during the two days in the temple town.

Ironically, Made Snana is categorized as a 'blind belief' in the proposed Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill (2013). The High Court, in its order last year, had said that Made Snana can be performed on the occasion of the annual car festival of Lord Subrahmanya every year. The order is valid for this year as well.

The Democratic Youth Federation of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Janavadi Mahola Sanghatane, and Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samiti have questioned the ritual.

Incidentally, the Made Snana practice had been banned by the state government in 2010. Every time the government discouraged Made Snana, the 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. As part of the local tradition, Malekudiyas decorate the temple chariot for the annual car festival. In 2011, they refused to discharge their duties and demanded the lifting of the ban on Made Snana, which they considered a sacred ritual. Consequently, the then BJP government lifted the ban on Made Snana in 2011 paving the way for a protracted legal battle and controversies.

The Kukke Subrahmanya temple, located at a distance of 115 kilometers from the coastal city of Mangaluru (Mangalore), is the richest temple in Karnataka. It is also frequently visited by the rich and famous. Business tycoon Vijay Mallya thrice donated gold-plated doors to the temple to fulfil his vows. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, celebrities Hema Malini, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Suneil Shetty and several top politicians have visited the temple, which is popular for 'Sarpa Dosha Nivarane' Pooja.